SOLUTION: A jet plane traveling at 550 mph overtakes a propeller plane traveling at 200 mph with a two hour head start. How far from the starting point are the planes?

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Question 648758: A jet plane traveling at 550 mph overtakes a propeller plane traveling at 200 mph with a two hour head start. How far from the starting point are the planes?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First find the head start of the prop plane in miles
+d%5B1%5D+=+200%2A2+
+d%5B1%5D+=+400+ mi
Start a stopwatch when the jet leaves
Now they will both fly for the same
amount of time until jet catches prop
Let +d+ = distance jet travels
Let +t+ = time on stopwatch
--------------------------------
Jet's equation:
(1) +d+=+550t+
prop's equation:
(2) +d+-+400+=+200t+
---------------------
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2) +550t+-+400+=+200t+
(2) +350t+=+400+
(2) +t+=+8%2F7+ hrs
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(1) +d+=+550%2A%288%2F7%29+
(1) +d+=+628.57+
The planes are 628.57 mi from the start
( unless I miscalculated )