SOLUTION: I need help with this problem The first part of a trip a canoeist travels 59 miles. the canoeist travels 17 miles on the second part of the trip at a speed 5mph slower. The total

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: I need help with this problem The first part of a trip a canoeist travels 59 miles. the canoeist travels 17 miles on the second part of the trip at a speed 5mph slower. The total       Log On


   

Question 455887: I need help with this problem
The first part of a trip a canoeist travels 59 miles. the canoeist travels 17 miles on the second part of the trip at a speed 5mph slower. The total time for the trip is 4hrs. What was the speed on each part of the trip?
Help!
Thanks
Gina
Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
r*t=d
r*x=59
(r-5)*y=17
x+y=4
three equations three unknowns
discard negative answers
r = 1/2 (24+sqrt(281)), x = -2/5 (sqrt(281)-24), y = 2/5 (sqrt(281)-14)
x=2.89478, y=1.10522
r=20.3815 first part
r=15.3815 second part