Question 149371
A cyclist rode 40 mi. before having a flat tire and then walking 5 mi to a service station. The cycling rate was four times the walking rate. The time spent cycling and walking was 5 h. Find the rate at which the cyclist was riding.
:
Let x = the walking rate
then
4x = the riding rate
:
Write a time equation: Time = {{{distance/rate}}}
:
Riding time + walking time = 5 hrs
{{{40/4x}}} + {{{5/x}}} = 5
Reduce the fraction:
{{{10/x}}} + {{{5/x}}} = 5
{{{15/x}}} = 5
Multiply both sides by x
5x = 15
x = {{{15/5}}}
x = 3 mph is the walking rate
then
4(3) = 12 mph is the riding rate
;
:
Check solution
{{{40/12}}} + {{{5/3}}} =
3{{{1/3}}} + 1{{{2/3}}} = 5 hrs