SOLUTION: This problem has me stumped for I cannot figure out how to line up my numbers in my four box table. Problem: Two cars are 310 mi apart and are traveling toward each other. One ca

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons  -> Linear Equations Lesson -> SOLUTION: This problem has me stumped for I cannot figure out how to line up my numbers in my four box table. Problem: Two cars are 310 mi apart and are traveling toward each other. One ca      Log On


   

Question 708555: This problem has me stumped for I cannot figure out how to line up my numbers in my four box table.
Problem:
Two cars are 310 mi apart and are traveling toward each other. One car travels 8 mph faster than the other car. The cars meet in 2.5 h. Find the speed of each car.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
How fast is their distance closing? Their individual rates are combined. When the time passes, the sum of their distances traveled will be that 310 miles.

Which car_____Speed______Time Hours______distance miles
car 1_________r+8________2.5_____________%28r%2B8%29%2A2.5
car 2_________r__________2.5_____________r%2A2.5

Sum of the distances will equal 310 when they meet.
%28r%2B8%29%2A2.5%2Br%2A5=310, only one variable, r.
Simply solve for r.