SOLUTION: I posted this question with two more. I apologize for the confusion. I wasn't paying close attention to directions! Thanks so much!!!! 1.) A bicyclist rode into the country fo

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: I posted this question with two more. I apologize for the confusion. I wasn't paying close attention to directions! Thanks so much!!!! 1.) A bicyclist rode into the country fo      Log On

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Question 90578: I posted this question with two more. I apologize for the confusion. I wasn't paying close attention to directions! Thanks so much!!!!

1.) A bicyclist rode into the country for 5h. In returning, her speed was 5 mi/h faster and the trip took 4h. What was her speed each way?

Answer by Earlsdon(6103) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You can use the formula:d+=+rt where d = distance, r = rate(speed) and t = time of travel.
For the outbound trip: t%5B1%5D+=+5 hrs, so you can write:
d%5B1%5D+=+5r%5B1%5D
For the return trip, the rate was 5 mph faster than for the outbound trip, so r%5B2%5D+=+%28r%5B1%5D%2B5%29 and t%5B2%5D+=+4, so you can write:
d%5B2%5D+=+4%28r%5B1%5D%2B5%29
But the distance out is the same as the distance back, so...
d%5B1%5D+=+d%5B2%5D or...
5r%5B1%5D+=+4%28r%5B1%5D%2B5%29 Simplify and solve for r%5B1%5D
5r%5B1%5D+=+4r%5B1%5D%2B20
r%5B1%5D+=+20mph This is the outbound speed.
r%5B2%5D+=+r%5B1%5D%2B5
r%5B2%5D+=+25mph This is the return speed.