Question

Two cyclist leave towns 75moles apart at the same time and travel towards each other. One cyclist travels 7 mph faster than the other. If they meet in 3 hours, what is the rate of each cyclist?

Answer 1

One travels 10.2mph, the other (the one who traveled 7mph faster) traveled at a rate of 14.8mph

Answer 2

Explanation:

Givens

d1 = d

d2 = 75 - d

r1 = x

r2 = x + 7

t = 3

Equation

x*t + (x + 7)*t = 75

This equation represents the total distance travelled. Neither one of the cyclists have gone 75 miles, but they both have gone distances that equal a total of 75 miles.

Solution

3x + (x + 7)*3 = 75

3x + 3x + 21 = 75

6x + 21 = 75

6x = 54

6x/6 = 54/6

x = 9

Answer

The first cyclist is going 9 miles / hr

The second cyclist is going 16 miles / hour