# Two bicyclists ride in opposite directions. The speed of the first bicyclist is 5miles per hour faster than the second. After 2hours they are 70miles apart. How do you find their rates?

Two bicyclists ride in opposite directions. The speed of the first bicyclist is 5miles per hour faster than the second. After 2hours they are 70miles apart. How do you find their rates?
You can still ask an expert for help

• Questions are typically answered in as fast as 30 minutes

Solve your problem for the price of one coffee

• Math expert for every subject
• Pay only if we can solve it

Davion Fletcher
Let x+5 mph be the rate of the first bicyclist
Let x mph be the rate of the second bicyclist
We know that distance is equal to rate multiplied by the time
D=rt
The distance the first bicyclist travels is
D1=(x+5)(2)
The distance the second bicyclist travels is
D2=x(2)
We are given that they travel 70 miles apart in the 2 hours
So
D1+D2=70
(x+5)(2)+x(2)=70
2(x+5)+2x=70
2x+10+2x=70
4x+10=70
4x=60
x=15 mph for the second bicyclist
x+5=15+5=20 mph for the first bicyclist