How do I go about doing a problem like this?

Question

Chuck and Dana agree to meet in Chicago for the weekend. Chuck travels 82 miles in the same time that Dana Travels 74 miles. If Chucks rate of travel is 4 mph more than Dana's, and they travel the same length of time, find their speeds.

Answer 1

t = travel time (the same for both)

v = Dana's speed

v + 4 = Chuck's speed

 

Using the definition of speed:

 

v = 74/t

v + 4 = 82/t

 

Subtract top equation from bottom equation and get

 

4 = 8/t

 

t = 2

 

v = 74/2 = 37

v + 4 = 41

 

Dana's speed is 37 mph, Chuck's speed is 41 mph.

 

The travel time is 2 hours for both.