word problem

Question

George, who lives in a very rural part of the state, decided to visit his grandmother, who lives 226
miles away. He rode his bike at a speed of 20 miles per hour to the bus station. He then stowed his bike
and rode the bus the rest of the way. The bus averaged 50 miles per hour, and George traveled a total of
5 hours. How long did he ride his bike?

 

and what strategy is used to solve this?

 

Thanks!

Answer 1

d = rt

If b = the time he rode his bike, then he rode the bus the rest of the time, or 5 - b.

 

20b + 50(5 - b) = 226

20b + 250 - 50b = 226

-30b = -24

b = 24/30 = 4/5 hour

(4/5)60 = 48 minutes