SOLUTION: A car and a bus set out at 2 pm from the same point, headed in the same direction. The average speed on the car is 30 mph slower than twice the speed of the bus. In 2 hours, the ca

Algebra ->  Rational-functions -> SOLUTION: A car and a bus set out at 2 pm from the same point, headed in the same direction. The average speed on the car is 30 mph slower than twice the speed of the bus. In 2 hours, the ca      Log On


   



Question 500563: A car and a bus set out at 2 pm from the same point, headed in the same direction. The average speed on the car is 30 mph slower than twice the speed of the bus. In 2 hours, the car is 20 miles ahead of the bus. Find the rate of the car.
I've know the rate of the car would be 2x-30, with x being the rate of the bus.
I've used trial and error to see if I could figure it out, and I found that the bus was going 40 and the car 50. After 2 hours, the car has gone 100 miles and the bus has gone 80 mles. But I can't figure out how to set it up and solve it with algebra!

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
you have unknowns for the car and bus rates

d = r * t

"In 2 hours, the car is 20 miles ahead of the bus" ___ 2(2x - 30) = 2(x) + 20
___ solve for the bus, then substitute to find the car