Suppose that this person drives at r mph going to the mountains, and gets there in 12 hours. Â Returning, this person drives at (r+20) mph and gets home in 8 hours. Â We don't know the distance yet, but can solve for the initial speed, r, by setting
d = 12r = (r+20)(8). Â Solving for r, r=40 mph (going) and (40+20)mph = 60 mph (returning. Â Since d=12 r, d = (12 hrs)(40 mph) = 480 miles (answer).