Average rate of mph

Question

Suppose that a cyclist began a 390mi ride across a state, at the same time a car leaves. If the cyclist and car met after 6.5hr and the car traveled 38.8mph faster then the cycle find the average rate of both. 

Answer 1

It's impossible to occur ...

 

... since a a bicycle traveling 38.8 MPH slower than a car can never catch up ...

 

... unless the car stops for about six hours so that the occupants can laugh off their asterisks at your errors in spelling and problem formulation!

Answer 2

we know that distance = rate x time

d = 390m and t = 6.5h

so, the average rate = 390m/6.5h = 60mph

 

since the motorist travelled 38.8mph faster than the cyclist, the cyclist travelled at 60mph - 38.8mph = 21.2mph

and the motorist travelled at 60mph + 38.8mph = 98.8mph

 

Proof: 98.8mph + 21.2mph = 120mph, which, when divided by 2 = 60mph