Question 1195979
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x = number of hours that John is driving
x-2 = number of hours that Lauren is driving
John has a 2 hour head start, so Lauren drives 2 fewer hours.


John drives a distance of 
distance = rate*time
d = r*t
d = 55*x


Lauren drives a distance of
d = r*t
d = 62*(x-2)
d = 62x-124


If we want the two drivers to meet up, then they must travel the same distance.
This assumes they started at the same point.
Equate the right hand sides and solve.
55x = 62x - 124
55x-62x = -124
-7x = -124
x = -124/(-7)
x = 17.7143 approximately


It takes about 17.7143 hours for the two drivers to meet.


Let's compute the distance traveled for each driver.<ul><li>John = 55x = 55*17.7143 = 974.2865 miles</li><li>Lauren = 62(x-2) = 62*(17.7143-2) = 974.2866 miles</li></ul>The results are approximate. We get a slight discrepancy due to the approximate nature of the decimal values. However, the distances are close enough. Round the decimal values however your teacher instructs.
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