Algebra 1 word problem!

Question

Mulder and Scully are driving to the same town. Mulder leaves the office at 8:30 a.m. averaging 53mph. Scully leaves at 9:00 a.m., following the same path and averaging 59mph. At what time will Scully catch up with Mulder?

Answer 1

Distance = rate * time ... d=rt

 

Note that since Scully leaves 30 minutes after Mulder, when

he catches up he will have driven .5 hours less time.

Mulder drives t hours

Scully drives (t-.5) hours

 

Mulder:  d = 53t

Scully:   d = 59(t-.5)

 

When Scully catches up with Mulder the distance driven will be the same

 

 

53t = 59(t-.5)

53t = 59t - 29.5

6t = 29.5

t = 4.917 hours

 

(.917 hours)(60 min/hr) = 55 minutes

 

t = 4 hours 55 mins

This is the elapsed time from when Mulder departed so

Scully will catch up with Mulder at 4 hrs 55 mins after 8:30

 

If I add 5 hours and then take off 5 minutes I will have the time

8:30 + 5 hours = 1:30 pm

Take off 5 minutes

The time will by 1:25 p.m.