Question 1151925
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<pre>

Let d be the distance under the question.


The time spent by the car to overtake the cyclist is  {{{d/48}}} hours, starting from the car' start.


The time spent by the cyclist is  {{{(d-3*12)/12}}}  hours.


Both times are the same


    {{{d/48}}} = {{{(d-36)/12}}}


    d = 4*(d-36)

    d = 4d - 144

    144 = 4d - d

    144 = 3d

    d   = 144/3 = 48 miles.    <U>ANSWER</U>
</pre>

Solved.