SOLUTION: Hi, I've been stuck on this word problem for a while, and I can't seem to figure ot where to start with it. I can't help feeling that it's right in front of me, but some help would

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: Hi, I've been stuck on this word problem for a while, and I can't seem to figure ot where to start with it. I can't help feeling that it's right in front of me, but some help would      Log On

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Question 747049: Hi, I've been stuck on this word problem for a while, and I can't seem to figure ot where to start with it. I can't help feeling that it's right in front of me, but some help would be greatly appreciated. The word problem is this:
"Two cars left Hamilton at the same time, one travelling east and the other west. Their average speeds differ by 5 km/h. After two hours they are 210 km apart. What is the speed of each car?"
Thank you!

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Two cars left Hamilton at the same time, one travelling east and the other west. Their average speeds differ by 5 km/h. After two hours they are 210 km apart. What is the speed of each car?" --------
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East-bound car DATA:
rate = x ; time = 2 hrs ; distance = 2x miles
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West-bound car DATA:
rate = x-5 ; time = 2 hrs ; distance = 2(x-5)= 2x-10 miles
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Equation:
distance + distance = 210 km
2x + 2x-10 = 210 km
4x = 220
x = 55 km/hr (speed of the East-bound car.
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x-5 = 50 km/hr (speed of the West-bound car.
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Cheers,
Stan H.