.
Let T be the Tom' speed and S be the Sam' speed.
(the same consistent units of speed are used).
Then from he condition,
S = 2T (1) ("It takes Tom twice as long as Sam to drive from A to B.")
S + 2T = D (2) ("If they start driving towards each other at the same time, they will meet one hour later.")
where D is the distance between A and B.
If instead they started driving in the same direction (with Sam driving towards B),
then T has head start D, the relative speed is S-T and the time before Sam will catch up Tom is
time = = (replace D with S + 2T, according to (2) )
= = (replace S with 2T, according to (1) )
= = = 4 hours.
Answer. It will take 4 hours before Sam will catch up Tom.
Solved.
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See these relevant lessons on Travel and Distance
- Travel and Distance problems
- Travel and Distance problems for two bodies moving in opposite directions
- Travel and Distance problems for two bodies moving in the same direction (catching up)
in this site.