A diagram is useful in helping us visualize the situation.

Identify and name what we are looking for. A chart will help us organize the data. We know the rates of both Joni and Kelly, and so we enter them in the chart. We are looking for the length of time Kelly, k, and Joni, j, will each drive.

Since D=r⋅t we can fill in the Distance column.
Translate into a system of equations.
To make the system of equations, we must recognize that Kelly and Joni will drive the same distance. So,
65j=78k
Also, since Kelly left later, her time will be 21 hour less than Joni’s time. So,
|
|
|
k=j−21 |
| Now we have the system. |
{k=j−2165j=78k |
| Solve the system of equations by substitution. |
|
| Substitute k=j−21 into the second equation, then solve for j. |
|
|
65j65j65j−13jj=====78k78(j−21)78j−39−393 |
| To find Kelly’s time, substitute j=3 into the first equation, then solve for k. |
k=j−21 |
|
k=3−21 |
|
k=25ork=221 |
| Check the answer in the problem. |
|
| Joni 3hours(65mph)=195miles |
|
| Kelly 221hours(78mph)=195miles |
|
| Yes, they will have traveled the same distance when they meet. |
|
| Answer the question. |
Kelly will catch up to Joni in 221 hours. By then, Joni will have traveled 3 hours. |