If Heather and Esmeralda are travelling in opposite directions, their total distance is the 248.
Let Heather's speed be = x
Let Esmeralda's speed be = x+9
they each travel for 8 hours so time = 8 hours
Distance = speed * time
[tex]x(8)+(x+9)(8)=248[/tex]
[tex]16x+72=248[/tex]
[tex]16x=176[/tex]
x=11
So, Heather is traveling at 11 miles per hour and
Esmeralda is traveling at x+9 = 11+9 =20 miles per hour
Heather travels 11*8 = 88 miles
Esmeralda travels = 20*8 =160 miles