Final answer:
By solving the linear equation 4.7x = 2.5x + 8.8, we determine the hikers' speed to be 4 miles per hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves solving a linear equation to find the speed of the hikers. Here's the given equation: 4.7x = 2.5x + 8.8. To solve for x, which represents the hikers' speed in miles per hour, we need to isolate x on one side of the equation.
- Subtract 2.5x from both sides of the equation to get: 2.2x = 8.8.
- Divide both sides by 2.2 to get: x = 4.
Therefore, the speed of the hikers is 4 miles per hour.