At 7 a.m., Paul started from City U and travelled towards City V and his speed remained constant throughout. At 10 a.m., Nicole started her journey from City U towards City V at an average speed of 72 km/h. Nicole overtook Paul at 1 p.m. After overtaking, Nicole carried on her journey at the same average speed and reached at City V at 5:30 p.m.

1. Find Paul'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 Nicole had travelled until Nicole overtook Paul
= 3 x 72
= 216 km

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

Paul's average speed
= 216 ÷ 6
= 36 km/h

(b)
From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. = 7 h 30 min

1 h = 60 min
7 h 30 min = 7 ³⁰ ₆₀
 h = 7 ¹₂ h

Distance between the two cities
= 7 ¹₂ x 72
= ¹⁵₂ x 72
= 540 km

Answer(s): (a) 36 km/h; (b) 540 km