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.


total miles=45 miles
total time=5 hrs

walking speed=x mph
cycling speed=4x mph


40/4x+5/x=5-----------------------because miles over mph gives you hours


Common denominator=4x
40/4x+20/4x=5


Add the numerators
60/4x=5

Multiply both sides by 4x
60=20x


Divide by 20
3=x


walking speed=4 mph
cycling speed=12 mph