Question

Linda left home and drove for 2 hours. She stopped for lunch then drove for another 3 hours at a rate that is 10 mph higher than the rate before she had lunch. If the total distance Linda traveled is 250 miles, what was the rate before lunch

Answer 1

44 mph

Explanation:

Given that:

Before lunch :

Time taken = 2hrs ; at speed = x mph

After lunch :

Time taken = 3hrs ; at speed = x + 10 mph

Total distance covered = 250 miles :

Distance = speed * time

(2 * x) + (3 * (x + 10)) = 250

2x + 3x + 30 = 250

5x + 30 = 250

5x = 250 - 30

5x = 220

x = 220/ 5

x = 44 mph

Rate before lunch is 44mph