Word Time and Speed Problem

Question

In Algebra 1 I am given the following problem:

 

Anne drove as fast as she could to catch up to James. If Anne drove at 65 mph and was 30 miles behind James 2 hours after they both started, how fast was James driving? 

Please help me.

Answer 1

We need to set up an equation relating the distance between Anne and James after 2 hours.  If x is James' speed in miles/hr, then the equation is

 

(65 miles/hr)(2 hr) + 30 miles = x*(2 hr).

 

Solving for x gives James' speed at 80 miles/hr.