Question

Ella and Emily go for a swim every morning. Ella swims $6$ laps in $3$ minutes, and Emily swims $4$ laps in $2$ minutes. Who swims faster?

• A. Emily
• B. Cannot be determined
• C. Both swim at the same rate
• D. Ella

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both swim at the same rate

The unit rate at which Ella swims $=\frac{6}{3}=2$ laps/minute
The unit rate at which Emily swims $=\frac{4}{2}=2$ laps/minute
Thus, both swim at the same rate.
Note: When we want to compare two rates the best practice is to find unit rates and compare.