Problema Solution

David knew he made a mistake when he calculated that Gilda walks 123 miles to the station. Read through David's calculations:

Using d = rt, the distance is the same, but the rate and time are different.

If Gilda misses the train, it means the time t needs 7 more minutes so d = 3(t + 7).

If she gets to the station 5 minutes early means the time t can be 5 minutes less so d = 4(t - 5).

3(t + 7) = 4(t - 5)

3t + 21 = 4t - 20

t = 41

d = rt, so d = 3(41) = 123

Find David's mistake in his calculations. In two or more complete sentences, explain his mistake. Include the correct calculations and solutions in your answer.

Answer provided by our tutors

The time Gilda needs to get to the train station while walking with rate r = 3 is equal to (t + 7) not t.


Davis in his calculation using just t.


So if he puts t +7 instead of t he will get the correct answer that is


d = 3(41 + 7) = 3*48 = 144 mi