Jamie drove to her parents who live 189 miles away. On her way there her average speed was 16 miles per hour faster than on her way home. If Jamie spent a total of 6 hours driving, find the two rates.

Question

What is Jamie's average speed to her parents house, and what is her average speed from her parents house?

Answer 1

189 miles each way, round trip = 2(189+ 378 miles

total round trip took 6 hours

average speed = 189/6 = 31 1/2 mph

he drove 16 mph faster one way than the other

rough initial guess 31 1/2 + 16/2 = 39 1/2 mph one way and 31 1/2 -16/2 = 23 1/3 mph the other way

(39 1/2 + 23 1/2)/2 = 31 1/2 = average speed