Question

Abby rode the Metro bus 4 miles farther than James rode. The sum of their distances traveled is 28 miles. How far did James ride the bus ? How far did Abby ride the bus?

(a)
Define your variable.
(b)
Write algebraic expressions for the distances each person rode the bus
(c)
Write an equation that can help you solve the problem.
(d)
Solve the equation.
(e)
Check your answer

Answer 1

a. define the variables : a = abby's miles, j = james' miles

b. a = j + 4......j = a - 4

c. a + j = 28
a = j + 4

d. (j + 4) + j = 28
2j + 4 = 28
2j = 28 - 4
2j = 24
j = 24/2
j = 12

a = j + 4
a = 12 + 4
a = 16

e. check..
a + j = 28
16 + 12 = 28
28 = 28 (correct)

solution is : abby's miles (a) = 16
james' miles (j) = 12