Question

at the beginning of a walk for charity, Roberto and Juana are 5.5 miles apart. If they leave at the same time and walk in the same direction, Roberto overtakes Juana in 11 hours. If they walk towards each other, they meet in 1 hour. What are their speeds?

Answer 1

• Roberto's speed is 3 mph, Juana's speed is 2.5 mph

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Let the speed be x for Roberto and y for Juana.

If they walk in same direction, Roberto walks 5.5 miles more in 11 hours:

• (x - y)*11 = 5.5

When they walk towards each other, then they walk 5.5 miles together:

• (x + y)*1 = 5.5

Simplify both equations:

• x - y = 0.5
• x + y = 5.5

Add up:

• 2x = 6
• x = 3

Find the value of y:

• 3 - y = 0.5
• y = 3 - 0.5
• y = 2.5