Problema Solution

A truker drove for 4 hours before he encountered icy road conditions. He reduced his speed by 20 mph and continued for 3 more hours. Find his average speed during the 1st part of the trip if the entire trip was 325 miles.

Answer provided by our tutors

1st segment DATA:

time = 4 hrs. ; rate = x mph ; distance = rt = 4x miles

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2nd segment DATA:

time = 3 hrs. ; rate = x-20 mph ; distance = rt = 3x-60 miles


 

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Equation:

distance + distance = 325 miles

4x + 3x-60 = 325 miles

7x = 385

x = 55 mph (rate during 1st segment)