Greg and Gary start a bicycle race at the same place and time. Is there a simple solution for elementary school student?

Question

Greg and Gary start a bicycle race at the same place and time.Greg travels at a constant speed of 16 miles/hour and Gary at a constant speed of 12 miles/hour. Greg finishes the race 2 hours ahead of Gary. How many miles did Greg travel in the race?

 

Please help me with a simple solution that a 5th grader would understand. The method has to be without having to use the time equation,he has not studied time = dist/speed Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Draw and label a diagram

distance_Greg = 16t

distance_Gary = 12(t + 2)

 

The distances are equal

 

16t = 12(t + 2)

16t = 12t + 24

4t = 24

t = 6

 

Now that you have the time can you determine the distance?