Question

Elena and her husband Marc both drive to work. Elena's car has a current mileage (total distance driven) of 7,000 and she drives 21,000 miles more each year. Marc's car has a current mileage of 20,000 and he drives 11,000 miles more each year. Will the mileages for the two cars ever be equal? Explain.
HELP ASAP!!

Answer 1

Yes they will be equal at some point. Although Marc has more miles on his car at the current moment, Elena is adding miles at a higher rate.

Elena's car: 7000 + 21000t

Marc's car: 20000 + 11000t

To find at what time t they are equal, set these two expressions equal to each other and solve for t.

7000 + 21000t = 20000 + 11000t

13000 = 10000t

t = 1.3 years from now