Two runners are competing in a 10-mile race. The first runs at an average pace of 8 minutes per mile, while the second runs at an average pace of 7 minutes per mile. After 56 minutes, the second runner stops for a drink of water. For how many minutes could the second runner remain stopped before the first runner catches up with him? Give me reasons, before answering the question
After 56 minutes, the second runner has traveled 56 / 7 = 8 miles. Similarly, the first runner has traveled 56 / 8 = 7 miles. Therefore, the two runners are 8 - 7 = 1 mile apart when the second runner stops. Thus, the second runner can stop for a maximum of 8 minutes, which is the amount of time it takes the first runner to travel 1 mile. So the final answer is 8.