Q:

Type the correct answer in each box. Use numerals instead of words. If necessary, use / for the fraction bar(s). Jenny, who rides a moped, takes 2 hours less to travel 60 miles than Maureen takes to travel 50 miles on her bicycle. Jenny travels 10 miles per hour faster than Maureen. (Hint: speed = distance ÷ time.) Jenny’s speed is miles per hour. Maureen’s speed is miles per hour.

Accepted Solution

A:
Let's define variables:
 s: Maureen's speed
 t: Maureen's time
 For Jenny we have:
 s + 10 = (60) / (t-2)
 For Maureen we have:
 s = (50) / (t)
 By clearing the variables we have:
 (50) / (t) = (60) / (t-2) - 10
 The solution to this equation is:
 t = -2
 t = 5
 Taking the positive solution we have:
 s = 50 / t
 s = 50/5
 s = 10 mph
 For Jenny:
 s + 10 = 10 + 10 = 20 mph
 Answer: Jenny's speed is 20 miles per hour.
 Maureen's speed is 10 miles per hour.