GRADE 8: Weekly Math Problem Solving: Problem #15

Name: ___________________ Date: _____________________

Be sure to show all of your work and your reasoning. Consider all possibilities and explain each step in your method.
Refer to your rubric for all parts needed to achieve the maximum score. Be sure to follow the steps of problem
solving we used in the classroom:

Step 1: Read the Problem

Step 2: What is the problem asking me to solve?
Step 3: Is there any information I do not understand? Find out what it means.
Step 4: List all the information that is given to you.
Step 5: Select a strategy to solve this problem.
Step 6: Show all your steps to achieve a solution. Include a concluding statement.

Problem #15:

Ali and Maya live 25 kilometers apart. Now that spring has arrived, they decide to dust off their
bikes and meet for a Saturday ride. They have agreed to leave their homes at exactly 9:00 A.M.
Ali peddles at 15 kilometers per hour. Maya averages 12 kilometers per hour.

In the graph below, the bottom line represents the distance over time traveled by Ali. The distance
starts at zero and increases as she travels toward Maya. The top line represents the distance over
time traveled by Maya as she moves toward Ali's home.

If we extend the lines, we can find an approximation of their meeting time. However, from the
graph, it is difficult to be exact. Maya and Ali don't want to miss each other and are asking for
your help.

a) What time will they meet? Give your answer to the nearest minute. Be sure that your
explanation contains all of your work.

b) In order for the girls to go on their ride together, Maya will need to peddle a little faster, and
Ali will need to go a little slower. What will be their average speed?

c) How long will it take for them to travel 18 kilometers at this speed?