d= rt Word problem

[DC6]

Hi All,

Here is another doosy. I am studying for the PCAT (Pharmacy exam) and I have to relearn all these simple concepts.
Two cyclists start biking from a trail's start 3 hours apart. The second cyclist travels at 10 miles per hour and starts 3 hours after the first cyclist who is traveling at 6 miles per hour. How much time will pass before the second cyclist catches up with the first from the time the second cyclist started biking?

I think that in order to solve this the distance for cyclist 2 must equal the distance for cyclist 1.

r1t1 = r2 t2

But something is just not clicking.

Thanks
DC6

 

[skeeter]

you've got the right idea ... the distances traveled will be equal

let t = number of hours rider #1 travels
so (t-3) = number of hours rider #2 travels

for rider #1 ... d = 6t
for rider #2 ... d = 10(t-3)

set the two distances equal and solve for t.