SOLUTION: Tom traveled 240 miles east. For most of the trip he averaged 60 mph, but for one period of time he was slowed to 20 mph due to an accident. If the total time of travel was 8 hours

Question 249891: Tom traveled 240 miles east. For most of the trip he averaged 60 mph, but for one period of time he was slowed to 20 mph due to an accident. If the total time of travel was 8 hours, how many miles was he at the reduced speed?
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Tom traveled 240 miles east.
For most of the trip he averaged 60 mph, but for one period of time he was slowed to 20 mph due to an accident.
If the total time of travel was 8 hours, how many miles was he at the reduced speed?
:
Let x = no. of miles traveled at reduced speed (20 mph)
then
(240 - x) = no. of miles traveled at 60 mph
:
Write a time equation: Time = dist/speed
:
Slow speed time + fast speed time = 8 hrs
+ = 8
Multiply thru by 60 results:
3x + 240 - x = 60(8)
:
3x - x = 480 - 240
:
2x = 240
x =
x = 120 mi at 20 mph
;
:
Check solution by finding the times at each speed
120/20 = 6 hr
120/60 = 2 hr
-------------
total = 8 hrs
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