SOLUTION: An airplane flying at 500 miles per hour leaves Minneapolis. One-half hour later, a second plane leaves Minneapolis flying in the same direction at a rate of 600 miles per hour.

Question 379149: An airplane flying at 500 miles per hour leaves Minneapolis. One-half hour later, a second plane leaves Minneapolis flying in the same direction at a rate of 600 miles per hour. How long will it take the second plane to overtake the first?
Found 2 solutions by ewatrrr, Alan3354:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi,
D = r*t this question sets up an equality as both planes travel the same Distance
One-half hour later, a second plane leaves. Let x & (x-.5) represent the respective times
Question states:
500mph* x = 600mph(x-.5)
300mph = 100mph*x
3hr = x, the time the plane flying at 500mph flew
2.5 hrs wil be the time for the second plane to overtake first plane (2ht-.5)
CHECKING our Answer
500mph*3hr = 2.5hr*600mph = 1500mi (misc info as to how far each flew:)
Answer by Alan3354(69443) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In 1/2 hour the 1st plane is 250 miles away (500*0.5)
The 2nd plane gains on the 1st at 100 mph (600 - 500)
250/100 = 2.5 hours
-------------------
The other tutor did it the "hard way", which increases the chance of error.
The 3 hours she found is the time the 1st plane flew, not the time for the 2nd to overtake the 1st.

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