SOLUTION: Jerry left the airport toward the dump, Molly left two hours later going at 54 mph. After 4 hours Molly caught up to Jerry. What was Jerry's speed?

Algebra ->  Square-cubic-other-roots -> SOLUTION: Jerry left the airport toward the dump, Molly left two hours later going at 54 mph. After 4 hours Molly caught up to Jerry. What was Jerry's speed?      Log On


   

Question 246030: Jerry left the airport toward the dump, Molly left two hours later going at 54 mph. After 4 hours Molly caught up to Jerry. What was Jerry's speed?
Answer by marcsam823(57) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
We will be using the formula r x t = d (rate x time = distance)

Let t1 = 6 hours(How long Jerry travelled before Molly caught up to him - Jerry had been on the road 2 hours when Molly left and it took her four hours to catch up))
Let t2 = 4 hours (How long Molly travelled before she caught up to Jerry)
Let r1 = Jerry's speed
Let r2 = 54 (Molly's speed)
Set up the equation. Both drivers travelled the same distance so:
r1+x+t1+=+r2+x+t2
r1+x+6+=+54+x+4
6r1+=+216
r1+=+36
Jerry was travelling at 36 mph