At 8 a.m., Michael started from City L and travelled towards City M and his speed remained constant throughout. At 10 a.m., Gillian started her journey from City L towards City M at an average speed of 75 km/h. Gillian overtook Michael at 1 p.m. After overtaking, Gillian carried on her journey at the same average speed and reached at City M at 1:20 p.m.

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

(a)
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. = 3 h

Distance that Gillian had travelled until Gillian overtook Michael
= 3 x 75
= 225 km

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

Michael's average speed
= 225 ÷ 5
= 45 km/h

(b)
From 10 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. = 3 h 20 min

1 h = 60 min
3 h 20 min = 3 ²⁰ ₆₀
 h = 3 ¹₃ h

Distance between the two cities
= 3 ¹₃ x 75
= ¹⁰₃ x 75
= 250 km

Answer(s): (a) 45 km/h; (b) 250 km