Sarah walked at a speed of 3 miles per hour. Beneta rode her bicycle at a speed of 9 miles per hour. They both traveled the same distance, but it took Sarah 4 more hours than it took Beneta.

Question

How many hours did it take Beneta?

I am somewhat confused on where to start with this math problem.

Answer 1

I know that d=r x t
and there is a formula for Constant Speed d=vt
3 mi/h=3mi/1hr
9 mi/h=9mi/1hr

But I am confused on what steps I need to take to solve the problem.

Answer 2

Beneta's time ---- t hours
Sarah's time ---- t+4 hours

distance gone by Beneta = 9t , using distance = rate x time
distance gone by Sahra = 3(t+4)

but they went the same distance, thus ...
9t = 3(t+4)

solve for t and you got it.

Answer 3

Hello. So you are saying that I would have 3(t + 4)=9t
3t + 12=9t

12=6t
t=2
Would this be the correct answer?

Answer 4

Reiny how did you know just by looking at the word problem to do 3 (t + 4)=9t?

Answer 5

I just took the sentence "They both traveled the same distance" and translated it into math
Look at my steps,
one distance was 9t and the other was 3(t+4)

but they are EQUAL, so
9t equals 3(t+4)
9t = 3(t+4)