Question

Mark made a business trip of 203.5 miles. He averaged 61 mph for the first part of the trip and 57 mph for the second part. If the trip took 3.5 hours, how long did he travel at each rate?

A) 2 hours at 61 mph and 1.5 hours at 57 mph
B) 1.5 hours at 61 mph and 2 hours at 57 mph
C) 2.5 hours at 61 mph and 1 hour at 57 mph
D) 1 hour at 61 mph and 2.5 hours at 57 mph

Answer 1

Option D). Mark traveled 1 hour at 61 mph and 2.5 hours at 57 mph.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find out how long Mark traveled at each rate, we can use the formula: distance = speed × time. Let's denote the time Mark traveled at 61 mph as x hours. The time he traveled at 57 mph would then be 3.5 - x hours.

We can set up the equation: 61x + 57(3.5 - x) = 203.5

Simplifying the equation gives us: 61x + 199.5 - 57x = 203.5

Combine like terms: 4x + 199.5 = 203.5

Subtract 199.5 from both sides: 4x = 4

Divide both sides by 4: x = 1

Therefore, Mark traveled 1 hour at 61 mph and 2.5 hours at 57 mph.