Car Trip Problem

[lisaz0224]

I really don't understand how to do this; it seems that there is no way to do this with trial and error. Can someone tell me how to do it algebraically, and actually explain the steps? Thanks.

Carlos nad Maria drove a total of 258 miles in 5 hours. Carlos drove the irst part of the trip and averaged 53 miles per hour. Maria drove the remainder of the trip and averaged 51 miles per hour. For approximately how many hours did Maria drive? Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.

I know it says round, but I still want to know how to do it algebraically. Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I really don't understand how to do this; it seems that there is no way to do this with trial and error. Can someone tell me how to do it algebraically, and actually explain the steps? Thanks.

Carlos nad Maria drove a total of 258 miles in 5 hours. Carlos drove the irst part of the trip and averaged 53 miles per hour. Maria drove the remainder of the trip and averaged 51 miles per hour. For approximately how many hours did Maria drive? Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.

I know it says round, but I still want to know how to do it algebraically. Thank you.

First thing to do is to define variables.

The problem asks:

For approximately how many hours did Maria drive...

then let us define

Time Maria drove = M

Then time Carlos drove = 5 - M

Now use the equation

distance = time * speed ....................... and continue...

Please show us your work, indicating exactly where you are stuck - so that we know where to begin to help you.

 

[stapel]

I really don't understand how to do this; it seems that there is no way to do this with trial and error. Can someone tell me how to do it algebraically, and actually explain the steps?

There are loads of lessons online, complete with lots of worked examples, which can do just that! :wink:

Have fun!

Eliz.

 

[Denis]

A diagram ALWAYS helps!

x = time by Carlos, c = distance bt Carlos

|....>...@53...[c].........(x)|....>...@51....[258-c].....(5-x)|