SOLUTION: Two trains start toward each other on parallel tracks at the same time from towns 450 miles apart. One train travels 6 mph faster than the other train. What is the rate of each tr

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Question 5493: Two trains start toward each other on parallel tracks at the same time from towns 450 miles apart. One train travels 6 mph faster than the other train. What is the rate of each train if they meet in 5 hours?
thanks for the help!
Answer by Abbey(339) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the formula
rate*time=distance
Let x = the slower train
x+6 = the rate of the faster train
when traveling at the same time toward each other, add their rates together:
x+x+6 or 2x+6
then
r*t=d
(2x+6)*5hours=450miles
10x+30=450
10x=420
x=42
the slower train is traveling at 42mph
the faster train is traveling 6 miles faster at 48 mph.
check the answer by the time...
the 42mph train travels 5 hours or 210 miles
the 48mph train travels 5 hours or 240 miles
210miles + 240 miles = 450 miles
so this is correct.