Question 158676
Jose left the airport and traveled toward the mountains. Kayla left 2.1 hours later traveling 35 mph faster in an effort to catch up to him. After 1.2 hours Kayla finally caught up. Find Jose's average speed.
:
Let s = J's speed
then
(s+35) = k's speed
:
K's travel time: 1.2 hrs
J's travel time: 2.1 + 1.2 = 3.3 hrs
:
When K catches up with J, they will have traveled the same distance
Write a distance equation from this fact: Dist = time * speed
:
J's dist = K's dist
3.3s = 1.2(s+35)
3.3s = 1.2s + 42
3.3s - 1.2s = 42
2.1s = 42
s = {{{42/2.1}}}
s = 20 mph is J's speed
:
:
Check solution by finding that the distance each traveled is equal 
K's speed = 20 + 35 = 55 mph
1.2 * 55 = 66 mi
and J's dist:
3.3 * 20 = 66 mi