SOLUTION: if two planes leave an airport at the same time with one flying west at 570 mph and the other flying east at 580 mph, how long will it take them to be 3450 miles apart?

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: if two planes leave an airport at the same time with one flying west at 570 mph and the other flying east at 580 mph, how long will it take them to be 3450 miles apart?      Log On


   

Question 717539: if two planes leave an airport at the same time with one flying west at 570 mph and the other flying east at 580 mph, how long will it take them to be 3450 miles apart?
Answer by jndarrell(58) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Create your D=RT box chart and fill in appropriately with the following data derived from your problem:
West
Rate: 570
Time: x
East
Rate: 580
Time: x
Time is x b/c that is what we are looking for. Always remember, when a problem provides you with a total distance, whether it be distance between two objects or total distance they are to travel...a total is a total. You will take the sum of the two objects R*T and set them equal to the total distance. See below:
570x + 580x = 3450
1150x = 3450
Divide both sides by 1150 to get your x alone
x= 3 hours
To check, take your D=RT formula and plug it into the equation created
570(3) + 580(3) = 3450
1710+1740
=3450 CHECK CORRECT!!!
Don't forget the units (hours) when providing your solution.
3 Hours
:)