SOLUTION: A jet plane traveling at 510 mph overtakes a propeller plane traveling at 300 mph that had a 2– hour head start. How far from the starting point are the planes?

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Question 1103805: A jet plane traveling at 510 mph overtakes a propeller plane traveling at 300 mph that had a 2– hour head start. How far from the starting point are the planes?
Answer by ikleyn(52915)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
The condition says

 -  = 2    (it is 2 hour difference,  and each the ratio is the time for corresponding plane)

where d is the unknown distance.


To solve it, multiply the equation by 300*510 (both sides). You will get


510d - 300 = 2*300*510,   or

210d = 2*300*510  ====>  d =  =  = 1457.1 miles.


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In such problems, getting an integer solution/answer is considered as a reward to a student for his efforts (joke).

In opposite, absence of the integer solution is an evidence that the problem is badly designed (it is my personal opinion, which is not a joke in this case).


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For introductory lessons on Travel and Distance problem see the lessons
    - 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.


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