Two hikers are 11 miles apart and walking toward each other. They meet in 2 hours. Find the rate of each hiker if one hiker walks 0.7 mph faster than the other.

Answer 1

2(s + s + 0.7) = 11

4s + 1.4 = 11

4s = 9.6

s = 2.4

2.4 + 0.7 = 3.1

2.4 and 3.1 mph

Answer 2

The equation for the first hiker is v₁ x t = d (distance to the meeting point)

The equation for the second hiker is d = d_i - v₂ x t (d_i is the initial distance between them)

The equation relating their speeds (rates) is v₂ = v₁ + 0.7

Combining all three equations you'll get v₁ x t = d_i - (v₁ + 0.7) x t - this equation has only one variable v₁ and can be solved. Then you find v₂ by adding 0.7 to v₁.