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)