SOLUTION: The speed of a passenger train is 8 mph faster than the speed of a freight train. The passenger train travels 260 miles in the same time it takes the freight train to travel 220 m

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: The speed of a passenger train is 8 mph faster than the speed of a freight train. The passenger train travels 260 miles in the same time it takes the freight train to travel 220 m      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 265834: The speed of a passenger train is 8 mph faster than the speed of a freight train. The passenger train travels 260 miles in the same time it takes the freight train to travel 220 miles. Find the speed of each train.
How do I set this problem up to solve? Thanks!

Answer by Ruli(21) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The speed of a passenger train = 260/(x+8)
The speed of the freight train = 220/x
260/(x+8) = 220/x
Multiply each side by (x+8)(x)
260(x) = 220(x+8)
260x = 220x + 1760
260x - 220x = 220x + 1760 - 220x
40x = 1760
Divide each side by 40
x = 44
The speed of the passenger train is 52 mph and the speed of the freight train is 44 mph
check:
260/(44+8) = 220/44
260/52 = 220/44
5 = 5