Problema Solution

A trucker drove 160 miles to make a delivery and returned home the same route. Because of fog, his average speed on returning was 20 mph less than his speed going. If the return took 4 hours longer, how fast did he drive in each direction?

Answer provided by our tutors

let


d = 160 mi


v = the speed going, v>0


v - 20 = the speed returning


t = the time going,t >0


t + 4 = the time returning


since speed = distance/time we have distance = speed*time:


when the truck is going:


v*t = d


t = d/v


t = 160/v


when the truck s returning:


(v - 20)(t + 4) = d


(v - 20)(160/v + 4) = 160


by solving we find:


v = 40 mph


click here to see the step by step solution of the equation:


Click to see all the steps



v - 20 = 40 - 20 = 20 mph


the speed driving to the location is 40 mph.


the speed returning is 20 mph.