Question

In the​ morning, Maria drove to a business appointment at 30 mph. Her average speed on the return trip in the afternoon was 20 mph. The return trip took 1/2 hr longer because of heavy traffic. How far did she travel to the​ appointment?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Distance = Speed * Time

If Maria drove to a business appointment at 30 mph, then

d = 30t where d is her distance and t is the time

If her average speed on the return trip in the afternoon was 20 mph and the return trip took 1/2 hr longer, then;

her speed s = 20mph

her time t1 = 1/2 + t

distance d = 20(1/2+t)

Since the distance both going and returnin are the same then:

30t = 20(1/2 + t)

3/2 t = 1/2 + t

3/2 t - t = 1/2

1/2 t = 1/2

t = 1 hr

Substitute t = 1hr into the first equation to get the distance

d = 30t

d = 30(1)

d = 30miles

Hence she travelled 30 miles to the appointment