Question

Mark made a business trip of 236 miles. He averaged 58mph for the first part of the trip and 60mph for the second part. If the trip took 4 hours, how long did he travel at each rate?

Answer 1

Explanation:

To solve this system of equations, we can use substitution or elimination method. In this case, let's use the elimination method.

Multiply equation (2) by 58 to make the coefficients of x in both equations equal:

58x + 58y = 232

Now, subtract equation (1) from this new equation:

(58x + 58y) - (58x + 60y) = 232 - 236

This simplifies to:

-2y = -4

Divide both sides of the equation by -2:

y = 2

Now, substitute the value of y back into equation (2):

x + 2 = 4

Subtract 2 from both sides of the equation:

x = 2

Therefore, Mark traveled at a rate of 58mph for 2 hours and at a rate of 60mph for 2 hours.