2014 AMC 8 Problem 17

Attempt Problem 17 of the 2014 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2014 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

17.

George walks 11 mile to school. He leaves home at the same time each day, walks at a steady speed of 33 miles per hour, and arrives just as school begins.
Today he was distracted by the pleasant weather and walked the first 12\frac{1}{2} mile at a speed of only 22 miles per hour. At how many miles per hour must George run the last 12\frac{1}{2} mile in order to arrive just as school begins today?
4 4
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12 12
Answer: B
Concepts:distance rate and time
Small hint:
Find the usual time for one mile at 33 mph.
Big hint:
Subtract the time already spent walking the first half mile.
Solution:
If George normally walks 11 mile at 33 miles per hour, it takes him 13\dfrac{1}{3} hour, or 2020 minutes, to get to school.
Today he walked the first 12\dfrac{1}{2} mile at 22 miles per hour, taking 12÷2=14\dfrac{1}{2}\div2=\dfrac{1}{4} hour, or 1515 minutes. He has 55 minutes, which is 112\dfrac{1}{12} hour, left to cover 12\dfrac{1}{2} mile.
His required speed is 12÷112=6\dfrac{1}{2}\div\dfrac{1}{12}=6 miles per hour.
Thus, B is the correct answer.
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