Question

The Reeds are moving across the country. Mr. Reed leaves 4.5 hours before Mrs. Reed. If he averages 40mph and she averages 60mph, how many hours will it take Mrs. Reed to catch up to Mr. Reed?

Answer 1

Mr. Reed DATA:

rate = 40 mph ; time = x 4.5 hrs ; distance = 40x miles

-----

Mrs. Reed DATA:

rate = 60 mph ; time = x hrs ; distance = 60x - 210 miles

------

Equation:

40x = 60x -210

-20x = -210

x = 10.5 hrs

x-3.5 = 7 hrs (Mr. Reed's time)