The Reeds are moving across the country. Mr. Reed leaves 5 hours before Mrs. Reed. If he averages 40mph and she averages 50mph, how many hours will it take Mrs. Reed to catch up to Mr. Reed?

It will take 20 hours for Mrs. Reed to catch up with Mr. Reed

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that:

Mr. Reed leaves 5 hours early.

Speed of Mr. Reed = 40 mph

Distance covered in 5 hours = 40 * 5 = 200 miles

Let,

h be the number of hours and D be the total distance.

D = 40h + 200

Speed of Mrs. Reed = 50 mph

D = 50h

For catching up, both distances will be same

D = D

50h = 40h + 200

50h - 40h = 200

10h = 200

Dividing both sides by 10

Therefore,

It will take 20 hours for Mrs. Reed to catch up with Mr. Reed

b.an increase in a causes b to decrease