Problema Solution

An athlete runs 8 miles, first at a slower speed and then at a faster speed. The total time spent running is 1 hour. If the athlete runs 1/3 hour at 6 mph, find the second speed.

Answer provided by our tutors

distance = speed * time


1/3 hour was run at 6mph, covering a distance of:

1/3 * 6 = 2 miles


8-2=6

1 - 1/3 = 2/3


so, the athlete then ran 6 miles in 2/3 of an hour:

speed = distance/time

6 / (2/3) = 9


the second speed was 9 mph


distance = speed * time


1/3 hour was run at 6mph, covering a distance of:

1/3 * 6 = 2 miles


8-2=6

1 - 1/3 = 2/3


so, the athlete then ran 6 miles in 2/3 of an hour:

speed = distance/time

6 / (2/3) = 9


the second speed was 9 mph