SOLUTION: A ship leaves port traveling at 15 km/h. Two hours later, a motor boat leaves the port traveling at 75 km/h in the same direction as the ship. How long will it take the motor boa

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: A ship leaves port traveling at 15 km/h. Two hours later, a motor boat leaves the port traveling at 75 km/h in the same direction as the ship. How long will it take the motor boa      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 507637: A ship leaves port traveling at 15 km/h. Two hours later, a motor boat leaves the port traveling at 75 km/h in the same direction as the ship. How long will it take the motor boat to overtake the ship?
Answer by oberobic(2304) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
d = rt is the fundamental distance equation.
.
When the second boat overtakes the first boat, they will have traveled the same distance: d=d
.
The first boat will have traveled for time = t, while the second will have traveled for t-2.
.
d = 15*t
d = 75(t-2)
so
15t = 75(t-2)
.
15t = 75t - 150
.
-60t = -150
.
t = 2.5
.
Always check your answer.
.
15*2.5 = 37.5
75*.5 = 37.5
Correct.
.
Answer: It will take the faster boat 1/2 hour to overtake the slower boat.