SOLUTION: Question: The distance between Alanta, GA, and Charleston, WVA is 500 miles. A truck leaves Atlanta traveling toward Charleston at a rate of 47MPH. At the same time, a bus leave

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Question 37087: Question:
The distance between Alanta, GA, and Charleston, WVA is 500 miles. A truck leaves Atlanta traveling toward Charleston at a rate of 47MPH. At the same time, a bus leaves Charleston traveling toward Atlanta at an average rate of 53 mph. Assuming they are traveling on the same route, how long will it take unitl they meet?
My teacher says that this probable has to be set up with a variable statement, equation, and answer. I've been stuck on it for about 2 days. I'm really not sure how to set this problem up.
Thanks,
Kristi

Answer by fractalier(6550) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Kristi, this is kind of a trick problem. The distance between them is 500 miles, Notice how every hour, the distance between them decreases by 47+53 = 100 miles. Thus it would take them 5 hours to meet. The setup is merely 47t + 53t = 500.