Question 1162991
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Here is an alternative method for solving problems like this, if a formal algebraic solution is not required.<br>
For me, this alternative method is much faster than using formal algebra to write and solve an equation.<br>
The ratio of the two speeds is 180:120 = 3:2; since the distances are the same, that means the ratio of times at the two speeds is 2:3.<br>
So 2/5 of the total time of 4 hours, or 8/5 hours, was at the higher speed; and the other 12/5 hours was at the lower speed.<br>
Then the distance is (8/5 hours)*(180mph) = 288 miles
or
the distance is (12/5 hours)*(120mph) = 288 miles<br>