SOLUTION: I have another homework question! Here it is "A slow boat travels across the ocean at 5 miles per hour. A faster boat leaves 4.5 hours after the slower boat traveling 20 miles per

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: I have another homework question! Here it is "A slow boat travels across the ocean at 5 miles per hour. A faster boat leaves 4.5 hours after the slower boat traveling 20 miles per       Log On


   

Question 822455: I have another homework question! Here it is "A slow boat travels across the ocean at 5 miles per hour. A faster boat leaves 4.5 hours after the slower boat traveling 20 miles per hour. How long does it take the fast boat to catch up?" As much detail as possible please! Thank you all!
Found 2 solutions by Edwin McCravy, mananth:
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
When the fast boat starts out, the slow boat has traveled 4.5 hours at 5 mph.

Since d=rt, the slow boat is d=5(4.5)=22.5 miles ahead of the fast boat when the fast boat starts out.

The fast boat's catch-up rate is the difference between their speeds or 20-5 or 15 mph.

Since t=d/r it will take the fast boat t=22.5/15 or 1.5 hours to catch up the slow boat's 22.5 miles head start.

Edwin

Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Catch up speed = 20-5 = 15 mph
slow boat speed = 5mph. In 4.5 hours it travels 5*4.5 = 22.5 miles
when fast boat starts catch up distance = 22.5 miles
catch up speed = 15 mph
catch up time = 22.5/15
= 1.5 hours