An equation and solution to find AB and BC?

Question

Towns A, B, C, and X are located along a straight highway. Town B is between A and C, and the distance from A to C is 41 miles. BC is 2 miles more than twice AB. Write an equation and solve it to find AB and BC.

Answer 1

Draw and label a diagram!

 

x represents the distance from A to B

2x + 2 represents the distance from B to C

 

AB + BC = AC

x + 2x + 2 = 41

3x + 2 = 41

3x = 39

x = 13

 

AB = 13

BC = 28