document.write( "Question 1167511: Amanda leaves Boston at 10:00 AM and drives to Buffalo, NY, which is 400 miles away. After 4 hours, the traffic causes Amanda to reduce her speed by 20 mph. She stops to rest for two hours, and then arrives in Buffalo at 8:00 PM.
\n" ); document.write( "What was Amanda's initial speed?
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #792131 by greenestamps(13200)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


\n" ); document.write( "You should know how to solve the problem using formal algebra, as shown by the other tutor.

\n" ); document.write( "However, if a formal algebraic solution is not required, and/or if you want to get some good practice in logical thinking (and thus give your brain some good exercise), this problem lends itself to a quick and easy solution.

\n" ); document.write( "The total trip was 10 hours; she stopped for a rest for 2 hours, so the total driving time was 8 hours.

\n" ); document.write( "So her average speed was 400/8 = 50 mph.

\n" ); document.write( "She drove for 4 hours at her original speed, so she drove for 4 hours at the reduced speed.

\n" ); document.write( "Since she drove equal amounts of time at the two speeds, her overall average of 50 mph was halfway between her two driving speeds.

\n" ); document.write( "Since the difference between the two speeds was 20 mph, an overall average of 50 mph means the two speeds were 50+10=60 and 50-10=40 mph.

\n" ); document.write( "ANSWER: Her original speed was 60 mph.

\n" ); document.write( "CHECK:
\n" ); document.write( "4 hours at 60 mph, plus 4 hours at 40 mph, equals 400 miles
\n" ); document.write( "4(60)+4(40) = 240+160 = 400

\n" ); document.write( "
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" );