SOLUTION: a bus traveled from one city to another at an average rate of 50 mph. on the return trip, the average rate was 45 mph and the elapsed time was 15 minutes longer. What is the total

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Question 344040: a bus traveled from one city to another at an average rate of 50 mph. on the return trip, the average rate was 45 mph and the elapsed time was 15 minutes longer. What is the total distance traveled?
I know that it is a distance problem. D=R*T. Where R=50 mph and R=45 mph. How do I find the total time? The elapsed time is confusing me.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Going,
1.D=50%2AT
Coming back,
For consistent units, convert minutes to hours.
15 minutes = 1/4 hours
2.D=45%2A%28T%2B1%2F4%29
From eq. 1,
T=D%2F50
Substitute into eq. 2,
D=45%2A%28D%2F50%2B1%2F4%29
Multiply both sides by 50
50D=45%2A%28D%2B25%2F2%29
Finish the calculation to find D.