SOLUTION: Please help me with this problem: A cyclist bikes x distance at 10 miles per hour and returns over the same path at 8 miles per hour. What is the cyclist's average rate for the

Question 380317: Please help me with this problem:
A cyclist bikes x distance at 10 miles per hour and returns over the same path at 8 miles per hour. What is the cyclist's average rate for the round trip in miles per hour? They say the answer is 8.9. How did they get this?
Answer by richard1234(7193) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since (average rate) = (total distance)/(total time) we should find the total distance and time traveled.
The cyclist bikes x both ways so (total distance) = 2x. Since the cyclist goes at 10 miles/hr, that means he takes x/10 hours going there, and x/8 hours going back. Therefore,
(total distance)/(total time) =
miles/hr (=8.8889 miles/hr)
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