SOLUTION: I am not sure how to set up the equation or how to solve this word problem. Elena bicycles 5km/h faster then Carlos. In the same time it takes Carlos to bicycle 39km, Elena can

Click here to see ALL problems on Travel Word Problems

Question 154360: I am not sure how to set up the equation or how to solve this word problem.
Elena bicycles 5km/h faster then Carlos. In the same time it takes Carlos to bicycle 39km, Elena can bicycle 54km. How fst does each bicyclist travel?
Found 2 solutions by scott8148, ankor@dixie-net.com:
Answer by scott8148(6628) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"Elena bicycles 5km/h faster then Carlos" __ E=C+5

d=rt __ t=d/r

" In the same time it takes Carlos to bicycle 39km, Elena can bicycle 54km" __ 39/C=54/(C+5)

"cross" multiplying __ 39C+195=54C __ subtracting 39C __ 195=15C __ dividing by 15 __ 13=C

substituting __ E=(13)+5 __ E=18

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Elena bicycles 5km/h faster then Carlos. In the same time it takes Carlos to bicycle 39km, Elena can bicycle 54km. How fast does each bicyclist travel?
:
Let s = C's speed
then
(s+5) = E's speed
:
it says the times are equal: write a time equation: time = dist/speed
:
=
cross multiply
54s = 39(s+5)
:
54s = 39s + 195
:
54s - 39s = 195
:
15s = 195
s =
s = 13 km/hr is C's speed
then
13 + 5 = 18 km/hr is E's speed
:
:
Check solutions by finding the times
54/18 = 3 hr
39/13 = 3 hr