SOLUTION: One train travels east and one travels west. The speed of the westbound train is 3mph greater than the speed of the eastbound train. After 5.5 hours they are 595 miles apart. Find

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: One train travels east and one travels west. The speed of the westbound train is 3mph greater than the speed of the eastbound train. After 5.5 hours they are 595 miles apart. Find       Log On


   

Question 516234: One train travels east and one travels west. The speed of the westbound train is 3mph greater than the speed of the eastbound train. After 5.5 hours they are 595 miles apart. Find the rate of each train. Assume that each train travels in a straight line in directly opposite directions..
Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Train I speed= 1 x mph
Train II speed= 1 x+ 3 mph

add up speeds
combined speed = 2 x + 3
Time = 5.5 hours

5.5 =(595)/( 2 x + 3 )

5.5 *(2 x + 3 )= (595)
11 x + 16.5 = 595
11 x = 595 - 16.5
11 x = 578.5
x= 578.5 / 11
x= 52.59 mph Train I speed
55.59 mph Train II speed