Find the​ cyclist's speed during the first portion and find his speed during the cool down portion.

Question

A cyclist rode the first 56​-mile portion of his workout at a constant speed. For the 36-mile

cool down portion of his​ workout, he reduced his speed by 5 miles per hour. Each portion of the workout took the same time. Find the​ cyclist's speed during the first portion and find his speed during the cool down portion.

Answer 1

distance = rate * time

56 = R * T

36 = (R-5)*T = RT - 5T

36 = 56 - 5T <--- substitutes RT=56 from first equation

-20 = -5T

T = 4

Each leg of the trip took 4 hours.

56 = R*4 ---> R = 14

36 = (14-5)*4 = 9*4 <--- YES it checks!

14 mph during the first 56 miles and then 9 mph during the last 36 miles