SOLUTION: one runner can run 3 miles per hour faster than another. in the same time that the slower runner travels 3 miles, the other travels 4 miles. Find the speed of the slower runner.

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Question 278227: one runner can run 3 miles per hour faster than another. in the same time that the slower runner travels 3 miles, the other travels 4 miles. Find the speed of the slower runner.
Found 2 solutions by ankor@dixie-net.com, stanbon:
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
one runner can run 3 miles per hour faster than another.
in the same time that the slower runner travels 3 miles, the other travels 4 miles.
Find the speed of the slower runner.
:
Let s = rate of the slower runner
then
(s+3) = rate of the faster runner
:
Write a time equation: time = dist/speed
=
cross multiply
4s = 3(s+3)
4s = 3s + 9
4s - 3s = 9
s = 9 mph is the slow runner
:
:
Check solution by finding the time of each
3/9 = 1/3 hr
4/12 = 1/3 hr also

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
one runner can run 3 miles per hour faster than another. in the same time that the slower runner travels 3 miles, the other travels 4 miles. Find the speed of the slower runner.
------------------------------------------------
Slower Runner DATA:
rate = x mph ; distance = 3 miles: time = d/r = 3/x hrs.
------------------------------------
Faster Runner DATA:
rate = x+3 mph ; distance = 4 miles ; time = d/r = 4/(x+3) hrs.
------------------------------------
Equation:
time = time
3/x = 4/(x+3)
3(x+3) = 4x
3x + 9 = 4x
x = 9 mph (slower runner rate)
x+3 = 12 mph (faster runner rate)
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Cheers,
Stan H.