Two cars traveled equal distances in different amounts of time. Car A traveled the distance in 4 h, and Car B traveled the distance in 4.5 h. Car B traveled 5 mph slower than Car A.

(The formula R⋅T=D , where R is the rate of speed, T is the time, and D is the distance can be used.)

How fast did Car B travel?

1 answer

Let's assume that Car A traveled at a speed of x mph.

Since Car B traveled 5 mph slower than Car A, Car B's speed can be expressed as (x-5) mph.

The distance traveled by both cars is equal.

Using the formula R⋅T=D, the distance traveled by Car A is x * 4 = 4x.
The distance traveled by Car B is (x-5) * 4.5 = 4.5x - 22.5.

Since both cars traveled the same distance, we can set up the equation:
4x = 4.5x - 22.5

To solve for x, let's subtract 4x from both sides of the equation:
0.5x = 22.5

Then, divide both sides of the equation by 0.5:
x = 45

Therefore, Car A traveled at a speed of 45 mph.

To find Car B's speed, we subtract 5 from Car A's speed:
45 - 5 = 40.

Therefore, Car B traveled at a speed of 40 mph.