Question 73833
DISTANCE= RATE*TIME THUS DISTANCE/RATE=TIME OR D/R1+D/R2=TOTAL TIME. 
THE DISTANCE BEING THE ONE UNKNOWN (X).  
X/24+X/18=4.9
(3X+4X)/72=4.9 CROSS MULTIPLY
3X+4X=72*4.9
7X=352.8
X=352.8/7
X=50.4 MILES IS THE DISTANCE TO THE NEARBY TOWN.
PROOF
50.4/24+50.4/18=4.9
2.1+2.8=4.9
4.9=4.9