The Cunninghams are moving across the country. Mr. Cunningham leaves 4.5 hours before Mrs. Cunningham. If he averages 50 mph and she averages 60 mph, how long

Question

The Cunninghams are moving across the country. Mr. Cunningham leaves 4.5 hours before Mrs. Cunningham. If he averages 50 mph and she averages 60 mph, how long will it take Mrs. Cunningham to overtake Mr. Cunningham?

 

 

Answer 1

Remember, distance traveled is the rate times the time.  (d = rt)   Mrs. Cunningham will overtake Mr. Cunningham when they have traveled the same distance. 

 

Mrs. Cunningham's equation will be: d = 60t

 

Since he was traveling 4.5 hours longer, Mr. Cunningham's equation will be: d = 50(t + 4.5)

 

If the travel the same distance, the equations can be set equal to each other:

 

60t = 50(t + 4.5)

60t = 50t + 225

10t = 225

t = 22.5

 

It will take Mrs. Cunningham 22.5 hours to overtake her husband.