Doug M

Say I'm a Cop [Everyone: "You're a cop!"].

OK. I'm driving my patrol car down a secluded, straight section of a County Route at 60mph, jamming to some REO, when I pass a guy driving 75mph going the other way in a full-sized truck.

Say it takes me 3 seconds to realize it and react. [Everyone: "It takes you ...something... Barkeep!"]

1) How long would it take me to slow down to a safe speed to turn around? [Assume 3mph]

2) How fast would I have to drive in order to catch up to the speeding driver within 3 miles?

3) How many seconds will it take me to catch up to him? (Not necessarily how long it takes to come to a stop, just to catch his rear bumper - at wide open throttle).

The patrol car weighs 3600lbs. Top speed 135mph.

The truck weighs 6500lbs. Top speed 105mph.

Both vehicles are automatics.

The street is dry with negligible sand from the shoulder.

Assume the speeder didn't notice me and maintains 75mph until caught up to.

*Extra Credit: Assume the driver is wanted and guns it to the top speed of his truck as the front bumpers pass each other. Same questions. No roadblocks or opposing traffic.

Remember, I'm also calling it in and turning on my takedowns during this time. [and, I've probably, also spilt my coffee.]

I'm not asking because of personal experience, nor am I a cop (anymore). I'm just exercising your mathematical muscles.

Impress me.

I'll be checking. So, show your work!

If you fail, I'll be sending your Mother a note for you to have signed and sent back...