At 8 a.m., Bryan started from City V and travelled towards City W and his speed remained constant throughout. At 9 a.m., Erika started her journey from City V towards City W at an average speed of 72 km/h. Erika overtook Bryan at 2 p.m. After overtaking, Erika carried on her journey at the same average speed and reached at City W at 4:45 p.m.

1. Find Bryan'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 Erika had travelled until Erika overtook Bryan
= 5 x 72
= 360 km

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

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

(b)
From 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. = 7 h 45 min

1 h = 60 min
7 h 45 min = 7 ⁴⁵ ₆₀
 h = 7 ³₄ h

Distance between the two cities
= 7 ³₄ x 72
= ³¹₄ x 72
= 558 km

Answer(s): (a) 60 km/h; (b) 558 km