<PRE><B>Question 213169</B>
A moving van leaves a house traveling at an average rate of 35mph.
 The family leaves the house in a car 3/4 hour later traveling the same route at an average rate of 50mph. 
How long will it take the family to catch up with the van?
:
Change 3/4 hr to .75 hr
:
Let t = time required by the family to catch up
then
(t+.75) = Van travel time when it is caught
:
When this happens, they will have traveled the same distance
Write a distance equation: dis = speed * time
:
Car dist = Van dist
50t = 35(t+.75)
50t = 35t + 26.25
50t - 35t = 26.25
15t = 26.25
t = {{{26.25/15}}}
t = 1.75 hrs for the family to catch the van
;
:
Check solution by ensuring that they traveled the same dist:
50 * 1.75 = 87.5 mi
35 * (1.75+.75) = 87.5</PRE>