SOLUTION: An eastbound train and a westbound train meet each other on parallel tracks heading in opposite directions. The eastbound train travels 16 miles per hour faster than the westbound

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Question 761823: An eastbound train and a westbound train meet each other on parallel tracks heading in opposite directions. The eastbound train travels 16 miles per hour faster than the westbound train. After 2.5 hours, they are 320 miles apart. At what speeds are the two trains traveling?
Answer by ramkikk66(644) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Step 1: Let speed of westbound train be x miles per hour
Step 2: Then speed of eastbound train is (x+16) miles per hour
Step 3: So, at the end of every hour, the distance between them would be
x+%2B+x+%2B+16+=+2%2Ax%2B16 miles, since they are travelling in opposite directions
Step 4: At the end of 2.5 hours, the distance would be
2.5%2A%282%2Ax%2B16%29+=+5%2Ax+%2B+40 ---> multiplying step 3 by 2.5
Step 5: Since the distance between them is given to be 320 miles after 2.5 hours, we equate the result of step 4 to 320.
5%2Ax+%2B+40+=+320
Step 6: Solve for x. Subtract 40 from both sides, and divide by 5.
5%2Ax+=+280 and x+=+280%2F5+=+56
Speed of westbound train is highlight%2856%29 and speed of eastbound train is 56%2B16=highlight%2872%29 miles per hour.

:)