Leaps and stride length → speed ratio: A cat takes 5 leaps for every 4 leaps of a dog. Also, 3 dog leaps cover the same distance as 4 cat leaps. Find the ratio of the cat’s speed to the dog’s speed.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 15 : 16

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Speed equals strides per unit time multiplied by stride length. We are given a frequency ratio (leaps per equal time) and a stride-length relation between the animals. Combine both to obtain the speed ratio.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Cat leaps : Dog leaps (in same time) = 5 : 4.
  • 3 dog leaps = 4 cat leaps (distance equality).
  • All leaps occur over the same time window used for the frequency comparison.


Concept / Approach:
Let Lc and Ld be cat and dog leap lengths. From 3Ld = 4Lc ⇒ Ld = (4/3)Lc. Speeds over the same time T: Vc : Vd = (5Lc) : (4Ld). Substitute Ld to get a pure number ratio.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Ld = (4/3) Lc from 3Ld = 4Lc.Vc : Vd = 5Lc : 4Ld = 5Lc : 4*(4/3)Lc = 5 : 16/3 = 15 : 16.


Verification / Alternative check:
Pick Lc = 3 and one time unit; then Ld = 4. Cat covers 5*3 = 15 units, dog covers 4*4 = 16 units ⇒ ratio 15 : 16.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 11 : 15 and 15 : 11 ignore the stride-length relation.
  • 16 : 15 inverts the correct order.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Multiplying or dividing the frequency and length ratios inconsistently.
  • Confusing “3 dog leaps = 4 cat leaps” with the reverse.


Final Answer:
15 : 16

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