This is an example of simultaneous equations, that is, using 2 equations with 2 variables.
Let x = # hours that Chris drove
Let y = # hours that Leslie drove
We know they both drove for a total of 18 hours, so the first equation will be:
x + y = 18 hours
We also know that the number of hours Chris drove, at 55 mph plus the total miles driven by Leslie, at 45 mph equals the number of total miles. The second equation will be:
55x + 45y = 893
Our two equations then, are:
x + y = 18
55x + 45y = 893
Using the first equation, solve for the variable that represents Chris, which is x.
x = 18 - y
Now plug this value for x into the second equation:
55(18-y) + 45y = 893
990 - 55y + 45y = 893
990 - 893 = 55y - 45y
97 = 10y
9.7 = y
Take this value for Leslie's driving time, and plug it into the original equation, like so:
9.7hours + x = 18 hours
x = 8.3 hours = Chris' driving time