Answer:
25 hours
Explanation:
Let's denote the time it takes for the first car to reach its destination as "t" hours.
We know that the first car travels at a rate of 42 mph, so in t hours, it covers a distance of 42t miles.
The second car travels at a rate of 50 mph and reaches its destination four hours earlier than the first car. This means it takes (t - 4) hours for the second car to reach its destination.
In (t - 4) hours, the second car covers a distance of 50(t - 4) miles.
Since both cars traveled the same distance, we can set up an equation:
Distance traveled by the first car = Distance traveled by the second car
42t = 50(t - 4)
Now, let's solve for t:
42t = 50t - 200
Subtract 50t from both sides:
42t - 50t = -200
-8t = -200
Now, divide both sides by -8 to solve for t:
t = (-200) / (-8)
t = 25
So, it takes the first car 25 hours to reach its destination.