Question

Maria ran 17 miles at an average speed of 5 miles per hour.

Answer 1

I think this is what it's asking for...

a) 17 is the total amount ran
    5 is the number of miles
    x is the hours (which is unknown)
you have to find x. the problem says that there are 5 miles per hour so your x would go with your 5. the 17 stays on the opposite side of the =
    17=5x

b) to find the amount of time (x) just solve for x
17=5x   is your equation
you now have to isolate the x (do this by dividing 5 on both sides of the equation)
5/x= x alone
17/5=3.4
3.4=x
* remember that x is hours in this problem, so round if you need too