Answer:
34000 miles
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that,
front piece of space junk is traveling at 17000 miles/hr
space junk which is behind is traveling at 17500 miles/hr
difference between the two space junk = 1000miles
suppose distance which front space junk have traveled when it meets = x
so distance which behind space junk have travelled when it meets = x + 1000
Formula which we will use
<h3>
time = distance * speed rate.</h3>
<em>(Because at the point that the two pieces of space junk meet, both</em>
<em>will have traveled for the same length of time)</em>
<em>x / (17000) = (x + 1000/ (17500))</em>
<em>x / (17000) - (x + 1000 / (17500) = 0</em>
<em>x / (17000) - x/17500 - 2/35=0</em>
<em>x / (17000) - x/17500 = 2/35</em>
<em>Taking LCM</em>
<em>x(17500) - x(17000) = 297500 000 * 2 /35</em>
<em>500x = 297500 000*2/35</em>
<em>x = 297500 000 *2/ 35(500)</em>
<em>x = 34000 miles</em>
Thus, 34,000 miles is the distance the front piece of space junk travels before the second piece catches up to it