At 7 a.m., Simon started from City J and travelled towards City K and his speed remained constant throughout. At 8 a.m., Nicole started her journey from City J towards City K at an average speed of 72 km/h. Nicole overtook Simon at 1 p.m. After overtaking, Nicole carried on her journey at the same average speed and reached at City K at 1:45 p.m.

1. Find Simon's average speed in km/h.
2. What is the distance between the two cities?

(a)
From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. = 5 h

Distance that Nicole had travelled until Nicole overtook Simon
= 5 x 72
= 360 km

From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. = 6 h

Simon's average speed
= 360 ÷ 6
= 60 km/h

(b)
From 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. = 5 h 45 min

1 h = 60 min
5 h 45 min = 5 ⁴⁵ ₆₀
 h = 5 ³₄ h

Distance between the two cities
= 5 ³₄ x 72
= ²³₄ x 72
= 414 km

Answer(s): (a) 60 km/h; (b) 414 km