how to solve word problems

Question

alyssa is determined to get some exercise and walks to the store at a brisk rate of 4.5 mph. she meets her friend ellie at the store and together they walk the same distance back at a slower rate of 3mph. alyssa's total walking time was 1hr. 

1. how long did it take alyssa to walk to the store?

2. knowing the time and speed from above, what is the distance that alyssa walked to the store?

Answer 1

t1=time to go to store t2=time to come back from store

 

t1+t2=1hr

 

4.5t1=3t2  because the distance to store is the same as the distance to come back

or

t1=(2/3)t2

 

so

 

(2/3) t2 +t2=1 hr

so

 

(5/3)t2=1hr

 

so

t2=3/5 hr or we can say 36 minutes

so t1=2/5 hr or we can say 24 minutes

 

distace= speed x time

 

so 

distance= 4.5mph x 2/5h =9/5 mile= 1.8mile