Question 36623
Jones travelled at x+5
Simth travelled at x
TIME (of distance 2) = DISTANCE/SPEED1 - DISTANCE/SPEED2
Equation:
{{{45/x-70/(x+5)=1/2}}}
<pre><b> -->Cross multiply:
{{{45(x+5)-70(x)=((x)(x+5))/2}}}
{{{225-25x=(x^2+5x)/2}}}
{{{450-50x=x^2+5x}}}
{{{x^2+55x-450=0}}}
SOlve that you get x=7 (rounded)
7+5=12
Hence, Simth travelled at 7mph and Jones travelled at 12mph.
Paul.