Sophomore math story problem. Answer and basic explanation please?

Question

Aaron, Beth, Candance, Darvel, and Emil ran around a track as part of a fundraiser for their school. Aaron ran first, and then when he was tired, beth ran. When beth got tired, Candace ran, and so on. By the end of the fund raiser, they had run a total of 30 miles. Aaron and beth combined ran 40 percent of the total distance, beth and candace combined ran 34 percent of the total distance. Candace and darvel combined ran 40 percent of the total distance and darvel and emil combined ran 41 percent of the total distance. How far did each person run?

I'm not even 100% sure this question is possible.

Answer 1

Start using percentages...

A + B = 40

B + C = 34

C + D = 40

D + E = 41

A + B + C + D + E = 100

A + 34 + 41 = 100

A = 25

B = 40 - 25 = 15

C = 34 - 15 = 19

D = 40 - 19 = 21

E = 41 - 21 = 20

Multiply each by 30 miles...

A = .25 * 30 = 7.5

B = .15 * 30 = 4.5

C = .19 * 30 = 5.7

D = .21 * 30 = 6.3

E = .20 * 30 = 6

Answer 2

Aaron + Beth + Candance + Darvel + Emil = 30

Aaron + Beth = 40 % of 30 = 12

Beth + Candace = 34 % of 30 = 10.2

Candace + Darvel = 40 % of 30 = 12

Darvel + Emil = 41% of 30 = 12.3

Aaron + Beth + Candance + Darvel + Emil = 30

      12           +              12            +  Emil = 30

So Emil ran 30 - 12 - 12 = 6

Aaron + Beth + Candance + Darvel + Emil = 30

       12              Candance+    12.3           = 30

So Candance ran 30 - 12 - 12.3 = 5.7

you get the idea ....