Answer:
The speed of the faster cyclist is 15 miles per hour
Step-by-step explanation:
Let the speed of the slower cyclist be x miles per hour
The speed of the faster is 3 times this
Mathematically, we have this as 3 * x miles per hour = 3x miles per hour
Now;
distance = speed * time
In 4 hours, the distance covered by the slower will be;
x * 4 = 4x miles
The faster;
3x * 4 = 12x miles
Since they are riding opposite each other, they would have covered a total distance of 80 miles when they meet
Thus, we have that;
12x + 4x = 80
16x = 80
x = 80/16
x = 5
The speed of the faster is;
3x miles per hour
Substitute the value of x here
That will be;
3 * 5 = 15 miles per hour