SOLUTION: Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading west and the other east. The westbound train travels 12 mph faster than the eastbound train. If the two trains are 800 mi

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Question 992159: Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading west and the other east. The westbound train travels 12 mph faster than the eastbound train. If the two trains are 800 miles apart after 5 hours, what is the rate of the westbound train?
Answer by ikleyn(52805) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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let x be the speed of the westbound train in mph.

The the speed of the other train is x-12 mph.

The distance between the trains increases by [x + (x-12)] = 2x-12 miles each hour.

The equation to find x is

800%2F%282x-12%29 = 5.

Simplify and solve it:

800 = 5*(2x-12),

800 = 10 x - 60,

10x = 860,

x = 860%2F10 = 86 mph.

Answer. the speed of the westbound train is 86 mph.