Question

Problem 4: Two friends Ronald and Michael live 200 miles apart. They plan to drive towards each other

and meet somewhere between their houses. Ronald starts driving at 12:00 pm and drives 44 mph towards
Michael Michael wants to finish his favorite daytime show before he gets on the road. He doesn't start
driving until 1:00 pm. He drives 60 mph to try to make up for lost time. At what time do the two friends
meet?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Ronald

d = d1

r = 44 mph

t = t

Equation: d1 = 44*t

Michael

d = 200 - d1

r = 60 mph

t = t - 1

equation: 200 - d1 = 60(t - 1)

Put Ronald's equation into Michael's. Substitute for d1

200 - 44t = 60(t - 1) Remove the brackets

200 - 44t = 60t - 60 Add 44t to both sides.

200 = 60t + 44t - 60 Combine

200 = 104t - 60 Add 60 to both sides

200 + 60 = 104t Combine

260 = 104 t Divide by 104

260/104 = t

t = 2.5

So they meet at 12 noon + 2.5 hours = 2:30