On the trip from Detroit to Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Smith drove an average speed of 60 mph. Returning, her average speed was 55 mph. If it took her 1 3 of an hour longer on the return trip, how far is it from Detroit to Columbus?

Let

D = distance between Detroit and Columbus

From Detroit to Columbus,

D = 60T1

where

T1 = time it took Mrs Smith to drive from Detroit to Columbia

From Columbia to Detroit

D = 55T2

where

T2 = time it took Mrs Smith to drive from Columbia to Detroit

Equating the 2 formulas for "D",

60T1 = 55T2

and since T2 = T1 + 0.33

60T1 = 55 (T1 + 0.33)

Solve for T1 and substitute this calculated value in the equation D = 60T1 to determine the distance between Detroit and Columbus.

5T1=18.15

T1 = 18.15/5=3.63

then

D = 60T1=60 * (3.63) = 217.8 m