SOLUTION: I am having trouble with the formula part of the problems. I can find the answer but cannot figure out how to write out the formulas in the right way and come up with the correct a

Question 606582: I am having trouble with the formula part of the problems. I can find the answer but cannot figure out how to write out the formulas in the right way and come up with the correct answer.
Two thieves rob a jewelry store and make their getaway at 10:00 am, traveling at 85 mph. At noon, the police leave the store, in hot pursuit of the robbers. If the police travel at 105 mph, how long does it take for the cops to catch the robbers? At what time of the day does this occur? How far from the jewelry store is the arrest made?

Any help would be greatly appreciated and if you want to just show me the formula on how to write it out without the answer, that is fine. I need all of the practice I can get working through these problems.
Thanks again!
cjoy75
Answer by LisaJ(11) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Define some variables:
x = distance traveled until capture
y = time of capture (hours after 10 am)
Robbers travel at 85 mph for y hours, police travel at 105 mph for (y-2) hours; both travel the same distance.
Distance = speed * time
x = 85 * y
x = 105 * (y-2)
85 * y = 105 * (y-2)
solve for y
Then you can calculate x and the time of capture.
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