document.write( "Question 43929This question is from textbook elementry and intermediate algebra
\n" );
document.write( ": please help with this problem:
\n" );
document.write( " On a bicycle trip,Maria averaged 5 miles per hour faster for the first 60 miles than she did for the last 75 miles. The entire trip took 8 hours. Find her rate for the first 60 miles. \n" );
document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #28862 by adamchapman(301)![]() ![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! Write what we already know in equation form. \n" ); document.write( "Let's use these symbols for our unknown variables: \n" ); document.write( "x=rate for first 60 miles \n" ); document.write( "y=rate for last 75 miles\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "We know from the question that x=y+5, \n" ); document.write( "rearranging gives y=x-5\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "time = distance/speed \n" ); document.write( "We know that the total time spent was 8 hours, so we can write: \n" ); document.write( "8 = (60/x) + (75/y) \n" ); document.write( "If we substitute y=x-5, we get: \n" ); document.write( "8 = (60/x) + (75/(x-5)) \n" ); document.write( "multiplying both sides by (x-5): \n" ); document.write( "8(x-5)=(60(x-5)/x)+75 \n" ); document.write( "multiplying both sides by (x): \n" ); document.write( "8x(x-5)=60(x-5)+75x \n" ); document.write( "rearranging: \n" ); document.write( "8x^2-40x=60x-300+75x \n" ); document.write( "8x^2-175x+300=0 \n" ); document.write( "using the quadratic solver: \n" ); document.write( "x=1.875 or x=20 \n" ); document.write( "y is 5 less than x (y=x-5), and if x was 1.85, Maria would be cycling backwards for the second part of her journey! \n" ); document.write( "Logic tells us that x must be 20 mph, implying that y=15mph\r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I hope this helps. If you have any other problems, please dont hesitate to contact me at adam.chapman@student.manchester.ac.uk \r \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |