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Let x be that unknown regular speed under the question.
Then you have this "time" equation
- = 0.5 of an hour (or 30 minutes). (1)
You may multiply both sides by x*(x+6); reduce to the standard form quadratic equation and then solve it to find x.
I will solve this equation MENTALLY.
For it, I will multiply both sides by 2. I will get then
- = 1,
and then the solution x= 54 becomes OBVIOUS.
ANSWER. The regular speed is 54 miles per hour.
CHECK. Then equation (1) takes the form - = 5 - 4.5 = 0.5 hour, confirming the answer.
Solved.