Question

Nathaniel left Los Angeles on the interstate, driving east towards Albuquerque at aspeed of 54 miles per hour. Half an hour later, Mikaela left Los Angeles driving in thesame direction at a speed of 72 miles per hour. If they both drove continuously at theirgiven speeds, how long will it take Mikaela to catch up to Nathaniel?hoursPlease see the picture

Answer 1

Answer:

Mikaela will catch up to Nathaniel in 0.53 hours (Or 33 minutes)

Step-by-step explanation:

For Nathaniel:

Speed, s = 54 mph

Let time, t = x hours

For Mikaela

Speed = 72 mph

time, t = x - 0.5

We know that

speed = distance/time

s = d/t

d = st

Distance for Nathaniel is:

54x

Distance for Mikaela is:

72(x - 0.5)

Mikaela will catch up to Nathaniel when their distances are equal

72(x - 0.5) = 54x

72x - 36 = 4x

72x - 4x = 36

68x = 36

x = 36/68 = 9/17 = 0.53 (Approximately)

Mikaela will catch up to Nathaniel in 0.53 hours (Or 33 minutes)