SOLUTION: A freight train takes 1 3/4 hours to get to the city. A passenger train averaging 56 mph faster takes only 45 minutes to cover the same distance. What is the average speed of the p

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Question 984537: A freight train takes 1 3/4 hours to get to the city. A passenger train averaging 56 mph faster takes only 45 minutes to cover the same distance. What is the average speed of the passenger train?
I don't understand this problem because there is no given distance. I need help
Answer by KMST(5328) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x= speed of the freight train in miles per hour.
x%2B56= speed of the passenger train in miles per hour.
1%263%2F4hours=1.75hours
45minutes%281hour%2F%2260+minutes%22%29=3%2F4hours=0.75hours
A freight train going at xmph for 1.75hours
covers a distance of 1.75%2Axmiles .
A passenger train going at x%2B56mph for 0.75hours
covers a distance of 0.75%2A%28x%2B56%29miles .
It is he same distance, so
1.75%2Ax=0.75%2A%28x%2B56%29
1.75x=0.75x%2B0.75%2A56
1.75x=0.75x%2B42
1.75x-0.75x=42
%281.75-0.75%29x=42
%281%29x=42--->x=42--->x%2B56=42%2B56=highlight%2898%29 .
The average speed of passenger train is highlight%2898mph%29 .