Question

Translate the problem into an equation and then use your equation to answer the question. Alex could arrive on time for his appointment if he leaves now and drives 50mph. However, Alex leaves the house 15 minutes earlier, drives 40mph, and arrives on time. How far from Alex's house is the appointment? need by sat.

Answer 1

40 miles

Explanation:

First, change the 15 minutes to 0.25 hours and 3 minutes to 0.05 because we are working with mph.

let x be the normal driving time to work in hours so 40x is the driving to work

since we know distance = speed multiplied by time we do

50(x-0.25+0.05)=40x

50(x-0.2)=40x

50x-10=40x

50x-40x=10

10x=10

x=1 hour normal time to work

therefore

40(1) = 40 mi to work

Confirm this by finding the dist when he went 50 mph for 48 min (0.8hrs)

50(1-.25+0.05) = 50(.8) = 40 mi also