Question

Jim began a 242-mile bicycle trip to build up stamina for a triathlete competition. Unfortunately, his bicycle chain broke, so he finished the trip walking. The whole trip took seven hours. Jim walks at a rate of 3 mph and rides at 37 mph. Find the amount of time he spends on the bicycle.

A. 4 hours
B. 5 hours
C. 3 hours
D. 2 hours

Answer 1

Jim spends approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes on the bicycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the amount of time Jim spends on the bicycle, we need to subtract the time he spends walking from the total time of the trip.

Let's assume Jim spends x hours riding the bicycle. We can set up an equation to represent the given information:

37 mph * x hours + 3 mph * (7 - x) hours = 242 miles

Simplifying the equation:

37x + 21 - 3x = 242

Combining like terms:

34x + 21 = 242

Subtracting 21 from both sides:

34x = 221

Dividing both sides by 34:

x = 6.5

Rounded to the nearest whole number, Jim spends approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes on the bicycle.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 5 hours (B).