Return trip one way

Question

Terrell drove to the mountains at an average of 40 miles per hour. His return trip, by the same roads, averaged 50 miles per hour. His total driving time was 9 hours. How far did he drive one way?

Answer 1

Let x = time traveled at 40 mph

    9 - x = time traveled at 50 mph

 

Distance = (rate)(time)

 

Since the distances traveled at each speed are the same, we have:

 

40x = 50(9 - x)

 

40x = 450 - 50x

 

90x = 450

 

x = 5 hours

 

One way distance = 40x = 40(5) = 200 miles