SOLUTION: Two hikers start from the same point and hike in opposite directions around a lake whose shoreline is 19 mi long. One hiker walks 0.5 mph faster than the other hiker. How fast did

Question 711552: Two hikers start from the same point and hike in opposite directions around a lake whose shoreline is 19 mi long. One hiker walks 0.5 mph faster than the other hiker. How fast did each hiker walk if they meet in 2 h?

Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
When the sum of the distances they walk is mi
that means they have met.
Let = the distance the slower hiker travels
= the distance the faster hiker travels
Let = the speed of the slower hiker in mi/hr
= the speed of the faster hiker
---------------
Equation for slower hiker:
(1)
Equation for faster hiker:
(2)
------------------------
(2)
(2)
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2)
(2)
(2)

The speed of the slower hiker is 4.5 mi/hr
The speed of the faster hiker is 5 mi/hr
check answer:
(1)
(1)
(1)
and
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
OK

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