Question 266267
An escalator moves up at a rate of x steps per second.
 Walter walks up the escalator at the rate of one step per second and reaches the top in twenty seconds.
The next day Walter’s rate was two steps per second, and he reached the top in sixteen seconds. 
How many steps does the escalator have? 
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Write a distance equation: Dist = time * rate
Find x
1st day dist = 2nd day dist
20(x + 1) = 16(x + 2)
20x + 20 = 16x + 32
20x - 16x = 32 - 20
4x = 12
x = 3 steps/sec is the escalator rate
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Find the no. of steps using the 1st day expression
20(3+1) = 80 steps
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check it in the 2nd day expression
16(3+2) = 80 steps also 
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