The time it takes for an object/person to cover a certain distance is calculated by dividing the distance by the speed.
a. For the first question, the equation would become,
t = 17/v + 12/(v - 2)
b. To answer, this we simply have to substitute 5 to the v of the first equation,
t = 17/5 + 12/(5 - 2)
t = 7.4 hours
Answer: 7.4 hours