SOLUTION: Running at the average rate of 400 m/minute, Pam dashed to the end of the race course. She then walked back to her starting position at an average rate of 80 m/minute. How long w

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Finance -> SOLUTION: Running at the average rate of 400 m/minute, Pam dashed to the end of the race course. She then walked back to her starting position at an average rate of 80 m/minute. How long w      Log On

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Question 562303: Running at the average rate of 400 m/minute, Pam dashed to the end of the race course. She then walked back to her starting position at an average rate of 80 m/minute. How long was the course if it took her 6 minutes total to make the dash and the walk back. I cannot figure out the formula
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let t = number of minutes for the run
+6+-+t+ = number of minutes for the walk
Let +d+ = length of course in meters
--------------
Equation for run:
+d+=+400t+
Equation for walk:
+d+=+80%2A%28+6+-+t+%29+
-----------------
By substitution:
+400t+=+80%2A%28+6+-+t+%29+
+400t+=+480+-+80t+
+480t+=+480+
+t+=+1+ min
+6-+t+=+6+-+1+
+6+-+t+=+5+ min
---------------
+d+=+400t+
+d+=+400%2A1+
+d+=+400+
check:
+d+=+80%2A%28+6+-+t+%29+
+d+=+80%2A5+
+d+=+400+
The length of the course was 400 m