Question

Sam drove to his apartment at 60mph.
Sam drove back from his apartment at 50mph and it took 1/5 of an hour longer to get back.

How long was the trip?

Please show the formula and work, I really cannot figure this one out or how to solve it. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

time = distance / velocity
If it takes a fifth of an hour longer (or twelve minutes longer) for the return trip at 50 miles per hour then t + .2t = d / 50
1.2t * 50 mph = d
hours cancel out and equation becomes:
distance = 60 miles

To double check this:

return trip = 50 miles per hour / 1 hour + .2 hours
distance = time * velocity
60 miles = 1.2 hours * 50 mph
60 = 1.2 * 50
The trip was 60 miles each way and took
1 hour + 1.2 hours = 2.2 hours or 2 hours 24 minutes.