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? Let's be accurate as possible.
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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.
The answer: 8.
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