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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
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