Solve the problem.
-Abram and Fred leave opposite ends of a bike trail 8.5 miles apart and travel toward each other. Abram is traveling 3 mph faster than Fred. Find each of their speeds if they meet after 30 minutes.
A) Abram: 17 mph; Fred: 20 mph
B) Abram: 10 mph; Fred: 7 mph
C) Abram: 7 mph; Fred: 10 mph
D) Abram: 20 mph; Fred: 17 mph

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since they meet after 30 minutes (or 0.5 hours), the total distance they cover together is 8.5 miles. Let Fred's speed be $x$ mph, then Abram's speed is $x + 3$ mph. The equation based on distance = speed × time for both combined is $x(0.5) + (x + 3)(0.5) = 8.5$. Solving this equation gives $x = 7$ and $x + 3 = 10$, so Fred's speed is 7 mph and Abram's is 10 mph.

Solve the Problem. -Abram and Fred Leave Opposite Ends of a Bike Trail