Paul and Charlene are 420 miles apart They start toward each

Paul and Charlene are 420 miles apart. They start toward each other with Paul driving 16mi/h faster than Charlene. They meet in 5 hours. Find Carlene\'s speed.

Solution

Let s = Carlene\'s speed
Let (s+16) = Paul\'s speed
:
Write a dist equation; dist = time * speed
:
Paul\'s dist + Carlene\'s dist = 420
5(s+16) + 5s = 420
5s + 80 + 5s = 420
10s = 420 - 80
10s = 340
s = 340/10
s = 34 mph is Carlene\'s speed
:
:
Check using the distance equation:
5(34) + 5(50) =
170 + 250 = 420 mi