1. **State the problem:** Deon drove to the mountains in 8 hours with heavy traffic and returned in 6 hours without traffic, driving 16 mph faster on the way back. We need to find the distance to the mountains. 2. **Define variables:** Let $r$ be Deon's average speed going to the mountains (in mph). 3. **Write expressions for speeds and times:** - Speed going to mountains: $r$ - Speed returning: $r + 16$ - Time going: 8 hours - Time returning: 6 hours 4. **Use the distance formula:** Distance = Speed $\times$ Time. The distance to the mountains is the same both ways. 5. **Set up the equation:** $$ \text{Distance going} = \text{Distance returning} \\ 8r = 6(r + 16) $$ 6. **Solve the equation:** $$ 8r = 6r + 96 $$ $$ 8r - 6r = 96 $$ $$ \cancel{8}r - \cancel{6}r = 96 $$ $$ 2r = 96 $$ $$ r = \frac{96}{2} $$ $$ r = 48 $$ 7. **Find the distance:** $$ \text{Distance} = 8r = 8 \times 48 = 384 $$ **Answer:** Deon lives 384 miles from the mountains.