document.write( "Question 237530: Hello. I seem to have particular trouble with word problems. I can't develop the equation so I never get to the point of solving it. Each time I do it correctly, it seems like a fluke and I can't recreate it. I'd appreciate any help you can offer. \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Here is the question:
\n" ); document.write( "Suppose that Car A can travel 250 miles in 3 hours less time than it takes Car B to travel 440 miles. The rate of Car B is 5 miles per hour faster than that of Car A. Find the rates of both cars.
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Algebra.Com's Answer #174682 by edjones(8007)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You picked a tough problem but we can do it.
\n" ); document.write( "a) what formula are you going to use? Ans.: st=d, speed * time=distance
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\n" ); document.write( "b) speed
\n" ); document.write( "Let s-5=car A's speed
\n" ); document.write( "Let s=car B's speed
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\n" ); document.write( "c)time
\n" ); document.write( "Let t=car B's time
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\n" ); document.write( "We can make a system of equations now. Look at the formula for B 1st because it is the simplest.
\n" ); document.write( "A) (s-5)(t-3)=250
\n" ); document.write( "B) st=440
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\n" ); document.write( "B) s=440/t
\n" ); document.write( "A)
\n" ); document.write( "(440/t -5)(t-3)=250 Substitute 440/t for s
\n" ); document.write( "(440-5t)(t-3)=250t multiply t times each side to eliminate the fraction.
\n" ); document.write( "-5t^2+455t-1320=250t
\n" ); document.write( "t^2-91t+264=-50t Divide each side by -5
\n" ); document.write( "t^2-41t+264=0
\n" ); document.write( "(t-8)(t-33)=0 Factor
\n" ); document.write( "t=8 hrs, t=33 hrs
\n" ); document.write( "If we use t=8 then for B: s=440/8=55mph
\n" ); document.write( "Then for A: s=50mph
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\n" ); document.write( "Check:
\n" ); document.write( "A travels 250 mi in 5h
\n" ); document.write( "B travels 440 mi in 8h which is 3hrs longer than A traveling 250mi.
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\n" ); document.write( "Ed\r
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