Algebra question

Question

Two cars started from the same point and traveled on a straight course in opposite directions for 2 hours, at which time they were 208 miles apart. If one car traveled, on average, 8 miles per hour faster than the other car, what was the average speed of each car for the 2-hour trip?

Answer 1

 

Distance = rate x time

 

208 = ( R + (R+8))) x 2

 

208 = (2R + 8) x 2

 

208 = 2(2R + 8)

 

208 = 4R + 16

 

192 = 4R

 

R = 192/4 = 48

 

One car travels 48 mph, the other 56 mph.

 

After 2 hours they will be 2 * ( 48 + 56) = 2 * 104 = 208 miles apart