Question 1061926
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An accountant rides a bus part of the way to work every day and walks the rest of the way. 
The bus averages 35 mph, and the accountant walks at a speed of 6 mph. The distance from home to work is 18 mi, 
and the total time for the trip 2 hr. Find how far the accountant walks and how far he rides the bus.
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<pre>
Let "x" be the distance "by bus", and let "y" be the distance "walking".

Then your equations are

{{{x/35 + y/6}}} = 2,       (1)
x + y = 18.       (2)

In equation (1), {{{x/35}}} is the time spent by the bus, and {{{y/6}}} is the time walking.

To solve the system (1) and (2), first simplify it. For it, multiply (1) by 35*6 (the common denominator). You will get

6x + 35y = 420,         (1')   and
 x +   y = 18.          (2')

Now express x = 18-y from (2') and then substitute it into (1') by replacing  x. You will get

6*(18-y) + 35y = 420.

It is single equation for one unknown y. Simplify and solve it

108 - 6y + 35y = 420,

29y = 420 - 108 = 312  --->  y = {{{312/29}}}.

Thus you found that the distance walking is {{{312/29}}} miles.

Then the "bus" way is {{{18 - 312/29}}} miles.
</pre>

You see these "curved" uneven numbers and, &nbsp;probably, &nbsp;think "why it is so?"


It is so because your numbers are such.


When I see such numbers, &nbsp;I think about the author. 
May be, &nbsp;he specially invented these numbers to create the "true" "accountant problem". 
May be, he never solved this problem on his own.


But in any case, &nbsp;I showed you how to solve it.