SOLUTION: Two planes leave Los Angeles at the same time. One heads south to San Diego, while the other heads north to San Francisco. The San Diego plan flies 50mph slower than the San Franci

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Question 650935: Two planes leave Los Angeles at the same time. One heads south to San Diego, while the other heads north to San Francisco. The San Diego plan flies 50mph slower than the San Francisco plane. In ½ hour, the planes are 275 miles apart. What are their speeds?
I came up with San Diego plane traveling at 250
I came up with San Fran plane traveling at 300
Am I close?

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Two planes leave Los Angeles at the same time. One heads south to San Diego, while the other heads north to San Francisco. The San Diego plan flies 50mph slower than the San Francisco plane. In ½ hour, the planes are 275 miles apart. What are their speeds?
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South-bound plane DATA
Time = 1/2 hr; rate = x-50; distance = t*r = (1/2)(x-50)
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North-bound plane DATA:
time = 1/2 hr; rate = x mph; distance = t*r = (1/2)x
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Equation:
distance + distance = 275 miles
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(1/2)(x-50) + (1/2)x = 275
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(x-50) + x = 550
2x = 600
x = 300 mph (speed of the north-bound plane )
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x - 50 = 250 mph (speed of the soutn-bound plane)
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You are correct.
Cheers,
Stan H.
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