SOLUTION: A passenger train leaves a train depot 2 h after a freight train leaves the same depot. The freight train is traveling 20 mph slower than the passenger train. Find the rate of each

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Question 585200: A passenger train leaves a train depot 2 h after a freight train leaves the same depot. The freight train is traveling 20 mph slower than the passenger train. Find the rate of each train if the passenger train overtakes the freight train in 3 h.
Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Passenger train speed = x mph
freight train = x-20 mph
in 2 hours before passenger train starts freight train travels (x-20)*2 miles
catch up distance = 2*(x-20)
they are travelling in same direction. subtract the speeds = x+x-20=> 20
time = distance / speed
2(x-20)/20 =3
2
2(x-20) = 60
2x-40= 60
2x= 260+40
2x= 100
x= 50
passenger train speed = 50 mph'
freight train speed = 50-20 = 30 mph