Question 729392: If a slow engine leaves the tracks 1 1/2 hours earlier than a faster train that travels 1 1/2 times faster than the slow train, how long will it take for the fast train to catch up to the slow train??
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! If a slow engine leaves the tracks 1 1/2 hours earlier than a faster train that
travels 1 1/2 times faster than the slow train,
how long will it take for the fast train to catch up to the slow train??
:
let t = travel time of the fast train
then
(t+1.5) = the travel time of the slow train
:
let s = speed of the slow train
then
1.5s = speed of the fast train
:
Write a distance equation, dist = speed * time,
When the fast catches the slow, they will have traveled the same distance.
1.5st = s(t+1.5)
1.5st = st + 1.5s
Divide thru by s
1.5t = t + 1.5
1.5t - t = 1.5
.5t = 1.5
mult by 2
t = 3 hrs for the fast to catch the slow
:
:
Check this, let's assume the slow train speed is 40 mph, then the fast = 60
They should have traveled the same dist
40 * 4.5 = 180 mi
60 * 3 = 180 mi
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