SOLUTION: Two bicyclists ride in opposite directions. The speed of the first bicyclist is 5 miles per hour faster than the second. After 2 hours they are 70 miles apart.Find their rates.

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Two bicyclists ride in opposite directions. The speed of the first bicyclist is 5 miles per hour faster than the second. After 2 hours they are 70 miles apart.Find their rates.      Log On


   

Question 362507: Two bicyclists ride in opposite directions. The speed of the first bicyclist is 5 miles per hour faster than the second. After 2 hours they are 70 miles apart.Find their rates.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If you add their rates and multiply by elapsed time,
that is their distance apart
Let speed of 2nd cyclist = r mi/hr
Then speed of 1st cyclist = r+%2B+5 mi/hr
--------------
70+=+%28r+%2B+r+%2B+5%29%2A2
2r+%2B+5+=+35
2r+=+30
r+=+15
and
r+%2B+5+=+20
The 1st cyclist's speed is 20 mi/hr
The 2nd cyclist's speed is 15 mi/hr