The first 50 miles of the drive is easy, while the last 68 miles of the drive is filled with curves. they drive at an average of 9 miles per hour faster for the first 50 miles of the trip. the entire trip takes 3 hours. how fast did they drive for the first 50 miles of the trip?

For first 50 miles:-

x + 9 = 50 / t where x is average speed for the last 68 miles and t = time taken for the first 50 miles.

For the second 68 miles:-

x = 68 / (3 - t)

Substitute for x in first equation:-

68 / (3 - t) + 9 = 50/t

68t + 9t (3 - t) = 50 (3 - t)

68t + 27t - 9t^2 = 150 - 50t

9t^2 - 145t + 150 = 0

t = 1.111, 15 (ignore the 15 hours as total time = 3).

so the speed for the first 50 miles = 50 / 1.111 = 45 miles per hour Answer