Question

Two cyclists start at the same point and travel in opposite directions. One cyclist travels 8 mi/h faster than the other. If the two cyclists are 130 miles apart after 5 hours, what is the rate of each cyclist?

Answer 1

9mi/h and 17mi/h

Explanation:

1st, know the formula for speed (V=d/t).

2nd, clear d from the formula (d=V*t)

3rd, let X be the rate of the slower cyclist.

4th, we are told that the distance beetwen the cyclists is 130mi after 5h. So:

5x + 5(x+8) = 130 distance covered by slower cyclist + distance covered by faster cyclist = 130miles

5x + 5x + 40 = 130

10x = 130 - 40

x = 90/10

x = 9mi/hr is the rate of the slower cyclist.

9mi/h + 8mi/h = 17m/hr is the rate of the faster cyclist.