rate of change

[taviasmile]

a ship P is sailing due south at 16km/h, and ship Q, 32km south of P, is sailing due east at 12km/h.
a) At what rate are they approaching or separating at the end of 1 hour?
b) At the end of 2 hours?
c) When do they cease to approach each other, and how far apart are they at that time?

 

[srmichael]

a ship P is sailing due south at 16km/h, and ship Q, 32km south of P, is sailing due east at 12km/h.
a) At what rate are they approaching or separating at the end of 1 hour?
b) At the end of 2 hours?
c) When do they cease to approach each other, and how far apart are they at that time?

What have you tried so far? Have you at least drawn a picture of this scenario? What kind of geometric shape do you see that you may be able to use to help you solve this problem?