47.3k views
1 vote
Mary drove an average speed of...?

Mary drove an average speed of...?-example-1

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

36 mph

Explanation:

The formula you want to use is:

distance = speed * time

Let's assume

t = time they both drove

j = speed of Jenny

m = speed of Mary

Then you can translate the stated facts into these equations:

240 = j * t

180 = m * t

j = m + 12

Rewrite the first two as:

t = 240/j

t = 180/m

and eliminate t (since they both drove the same time):

240/j = 180/m

Rewrite as (cross multiply):

240m = 180j

Now fill in the third and simplify:

240m = 180(m+12)

240m - 180m = 2160

60 m = 2160

m = 36.

Bonus:

Jenny drove 36+12 = 48 mph

It took them 240/48 = 180/36 = 5 hours

User Joshua Hayworth
by
8.5k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories