SOLUTION: A cyclist rode to the beach at 24 mph, and then rode back at 20 mph. If the total trip took 11 hours, how much time was spent in each direction? Rate: 24 Rate:24 Time: N

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Question 506231: A cyclist rode to the beach at 24 mph, and then rode back at 20 mph. If the total trip took 11 hours, how much time was spent in each direction?
Rate: 24 Rate:24
Time: N Time: 11-n
Distance: Unknown
Found 2 solutions by scott8148, Sarah900:
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the distances to the beach and from the beach are equal

24(x) = 20(11 - x)

Answer by Sarah900(12) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Distance=rate*time
so the distance to the beach is
D=24N
and the distance coming back is going to be
D=20(11-N)
However these two distances are equal since the cyclist simply rode back to the start so
24N=22(11-N)
From there you distribute and solve for N
24N=220-22N
220=44N
5=n
So the cyclist biked 5 hours to the beach.
To find the time it took to get back subtract the time it took to get there from the total time.
11-5=6
So it took 6 hours to get back