At 7 a.m., Ben started from City T and travelled towards City U and his speed remained constant throughout. At 10 a.m., Victoria started her journey from City T towards City U at an average speed of 90 km/h. Victoria overtook Ben at 1 p.m. After overtaking, Victoria carried on her journey at the same average speed and reached at City U at 5:20 p.m.

1. Find Ben'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 Victoria had travelled until Victoria overtook Ben
= 3 x 90
= 270 km

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

Ben's average speed
= 270 ÷ 6
= 45 km/h

(b)
From 10 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. = 7 h 20 min

1 h = 60 min
7 h 20 min = 7 ²⁰ ₆₀
 h = 7 ¹₃ h

Distance between the two cities
= 7 ¹₃ x 90
= ²²₃ x 90
= 660 km

Answer(s): (a) 45 km/h; (b) 660 km