Problema Solution

Two people are 3 ½ miles apart and walking towards each other. Their uniform walking rates differ by 1 mph. They will meet in ½ hour. What is the uniform rate of slower walker? How much of the distance will he/she travel?

Answer provided by our tutors

let


v = the uniform rate of the slower walker, v>0


v + 1 = the rate of the faster walker


d = 3 1/2 mi = 3.5 mi


t = 1/2 hr = 0.5 hr


since speed = distance/time follows distance = speed*time


vt + (v + 1)t = d


v*0.5 + (v + 1)*0.5 = 3.5


by solving we find:


v = 3 mph


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v*t = 3*0.5 = 1.5 mi


the uniform rate of the slower walker is 3 mph.


the slower walker will travel 1.5 mi.