document.write( "Question 1096219: Two cyclists start at the same point and travel in opposite directions. One travels 4 mph slower than the other. In 3 hours they 108 miles apart. Find how fast each cyclist is traveling. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #710687 by ikleyn(52864) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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document.write( "Let \"x\" be the speed of the fastest cyclist in miles per hour.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Then the speed of the slower cyclist is (x-4) miles per hour.\r\n" );
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document.write( "In 3 hour the fastest cyclist will cover 3x miles, while the slower will cover 3*(x-4) miles.\r\n" );
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document.write( "The sum of distances is 108 miles.  It gives you an equation\r\n" );
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document.write( "3x + 3*(x-4) = 108.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Simplify and solve for x:\r\n" );
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document.write( "3x + 3x - 12 = 108,\r\n" );
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document.write( "6x = 108 + 12  ====>  6x = 120  ====>  x = 20.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Answer.  The fastest cyclist speed is 20 mph.  The slower cyclist speed is 20-4 = 16 mph.\r\n" );
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "For many other similar solved problems see the lessons\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "- Travel and Distance problems \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "- Travel and Distance problems for two bodies moving in opposite directions \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "- Travel and Distance problems for two bodies moving in the same direction (catching up)\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "in this site.\r
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