SOLUTION: My question is: A train leaves Chicago traveling west at 60 miles per hour.An hour later at 12 noon, another train leaves Chicago traveling east at 80 miles per hour. When are the

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Question 995046: My question is:
A train leaves Chicago traveling west at 60 miles per hour.An hour later at 12 noon, another train leaves Chicago traveling east at 80 miles per hour. When are the two trains the same distance from Chicago? Thank you for your help I expect you to help me using an equation and solving it thx very much.Have a nice day.:-) My name is Melissa :-) :-)!!!
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, rothauserc:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This type of travel rates problem is too common, and it deserves a generalized, symbolic solution. The solution done here will be done for AMOUNT of time.

The data table will imply the needed variables.
Two vehicles leaving at different times going in the same direction.

VEHICLE           speed           time        distance
Early slow        r               t+h          d
Late fast         R               t            d

VARIABLES
Known: r, R, h
Unknown: t, d
Fast late vehicle departs h amount of time after early slow vehicle departs, and so the fast but later vehicle travels for less time.
Variable distance d is the catchup distance.



GOAL:  Solve for t







Answer by rothauserc(4718)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
we use rate * time = distance
we want to know at what time the trains have covered the same distance
the 60 mph train has a 1 hour head start, then
60(t+1) = 80t
60t +60 = 80t
subtract 60t from both sides of=
20t = 60
t = 3
The two trains are the same distance from Chicago at 3pm, at that time both trains will have covered 240 miles
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