At 8 a.m., Paul started from City E and travelled towards City F and his speed remained constant throughout. At 9 a.m., Usha started her journey from City E towards City F at an average speed of 72 km/h. Usha overtook Paul at 2 p.m. After overtaking, Usha carried on her journey at the same average speed and reached at City F at 5:15 p.m.

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

(a)
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. = 5 h

Distance that Usha had travelled until Usha overtook Paul
= 5 x 72
= 360 km

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. = 6 h

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

(b)
From 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. = 8 h 15 min

1 h = 60 min
8 h 15 min = 8 ¹⁵ ₆₀
 h = 8 ¹₄ h

Distance between the two cities
= 8 ¹₄ x 72
= ³³₄ x 72
= 594 km

Answer(s): (a) 60 km/h; (b) 594 km