Question

Atlanta and Cincinnati are 440 miles apart. John leaves Cincinnati for Atlanta while Pat leaves Atlanta for Cincinnati. John drives 32 mph faster than Pat. How fast is Pat driving if they pass each other in 5 hours?

Answer 1

28mph

Explanation:

Let the speed at which Pat drives be xmph.

Now, we know John travels 32mph faster than Pat. Hence, John's speed is (x + 32)mph

The total distance is 440 miles.

Distance = Speed × Time

The distance traveled by each of them after 5 hours is given as follws;

Pat = 5 × x = 5x miles

John = 5(x + 32) miles

Now, if we add both distances, we get the total of 440 miles.

Hence, 5x + 5(x + 32) = 440

5x + 5x + 160 = 440

10x + 160 = 440

10x = 440 - 160 = 280

10x = 280

Hence, x = 280/10 = 28mph