first,you should divide the time(5h) into two parts, going part (set as x)and returning part(set as y). It depends on two aspacts: 1. the total time is 5h; 2. the distance of going and returning should be equal. According to those, x+y=5; 48x=52y. Solve the equation. x=2.6h y=2.4h. So the car can go 124.8 miles and return in 5 hours.