SOLUTION: Salem and Vernonville are 144 miles apart. A car leaves Salem traveling towards Vernonville, and another car leaves Vernonville at the same time, traveling towards Salem. The car l

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Question 344798: Salem and Vernonville are 144 miles apart. A car leaves Salem traveling towards Vernonville, and another car leaves Vernonville at the same time, traveling towards Salem. The car leaving Salem averages 10 miles per hour more than the other, and they meet after 1 hour and 36 minutes. What are the average speeds of the cars?
*Instructor tip: Remember to define two variables, set up two equations, and solve by either elimination or substitution. You get to pick!
Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
D=RT
144=(x+x+10)1.6
144=(2x+10)1.6
144=3.2x+16
3.2x=144-16
3.2x=128
x=128/3.2
x=40 mph. for the slower car.
40+10=50 mph. for the faster car.
Proof:
144=(40+50)1.6
144=90*1.6
144=144
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IF the answers are 50 & 60 MPH. then:
144=(60+70)1.6
144=130*1.6
144=208 DOES NOT COMPUTE??????????