To determine who has the
best time per lap (i.e., the fastest lap time), we need to find the
time per lap for both Antonio and Maria. This means calculating how many minutes it takes each person to swim
one lap.
We’ll use the data from the tables and compute the
time per lap by dividing the total time by the number of laps.
---
Step 1: Analyze Antonio’s Data
Antonio’s table:
| Number of laps | 1 | 2 | 4 |
|----------------|---|---|---|
| Time (min) | ? | 10 | 20 |
We can use the known values to find the time per lap.
- For 2 laps → 10 minutes
So, time per lap = $ \frac{10}{2} = 5 $ minutes per lap
- For 4 laps → 20 minutes
So, time per lap = $ \frac{20}{4} = 5 $ minutes per lap
✔ So,
Antonio's time per lap is 5 minutes.
---
Step 2: Analyze Maria’s Data
Maria’s table:
| Number of laps | 1 | 3 | 6 |
|----------------|---|---|---|
| Time (min) | ? | 6 | 12 |
Let’s calculate her time per lap.
- For 3 laps → 6 minutes
Time per lap = $ \frac{6}{3} = 2 $ minutes per lap
- For 6 laps → 12 minutes
Time per lap = $ \frac{12}{6} = 2 $ minutes per lap
✔ So,
Maria's time per lap is 2 minutes.
---
Step 3: Compare the Two
- Antonio: 5 minutes per lap
- Maria: 2 minutes per lap
Since
2 < 5,
Maria swims faster — she has a
better (faster) time per lap.
---
✔ Final Answer:
Maria has the best time per lap. She completes each lap in
2 minutes, while Antonio takes
5 minutes per lap.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of ratio tables homework.
