John and Jane go rock-climbing together. John climbs a height of (x+5) miles in (x-1) hours and Jane climbs a height of (x+11) miles in (x+1) hours. Is it possible that they were climbing at the same speed? If so, what must have been their speed, in miles per hour? If not, use 0 as your answer.
If climbing at same speed, their rates will be equal (if they start at the same height)
John rate = (x+5) / (x-1) = Jane rate (x+11) / (x+1)
(x+5)(x+1) = (x+11)(x-1)
x^2 + 6x + 5 = x^2 +10x-11
6x + 5 = 10x -11
16 =4x
x=4 John speed = (4+5)/(4-1) = 3 mph Jane speed (4+11)/(4+1) = 3 mph
If climbing at same speed, their rates will be equal (if they start at the same height)
John rate = (x+5) / (x-1) = Jane rate (x+11) / (x+1)
(x+5)(x+1) = (x+11)(x-1)
x^2 + 6x + 5 = x^2 +10x-11
6x + 5 = 10x -11
16 =4x
x=4 John speed = (4+5)/(4-1) = 3 mph Jane speed (4+11)/(4+1) = 3 mph