I have only been able to set up the solution to this problem, but am completely stuck on how to proceed. All help is greatly appreciated.
A bicyclist averages one speed uphill, one speed on level ground, and one speed downhill. She estimates the following mileage for her thrwe previous rides:
- 2 miles uphill, 15 miles level, 5 miles downhill - 1.5 hours
- 6 miles uphill, 9 miles level, 1 miles downhill - 1.4 hours
- 8 miles uphill, 3 miles level, 8 miles downhill - 1.6 hours
What were her average speeds uphill, on level ground and downhill?
My partial solution:
Using U, L and D for uphill, level and downhill speeds, respectively, here are the set of equations I have set up:
- 2/U + 15/L + 5/D = 1.5
- 6/U + 9/L + 1/D = 1.4
- 8/U + 3/L + 8/D = 1.6
Assuming this is right, now what?