SOLUTION: I'm not sure how to set up the following word problem. Once it is set up I should be able to solve it. Caseyville and Titusville are 34 miles apart. Smith travels at 7mph from C

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: I'm not sure how to set up the following word problem. Once it is set up I should be able to solve it. Caseyville and Titusville are 34 miles apart. Smith travels at 7mph from C      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 781623: I'm not sure how to set up the following word problem. Once it is set up I should be able to solve it.
Caseyville and Titusville are 34 miles apart. Smith travels at 7mph from Caseyville to Titusville, while Jones travels at 3mph from Titusville to Caseyville. If both set out at the same time, how many miles will Smith have to travel before meeting Jones en route?
How would I set this up algebraically?

Answer by josgarithmetic(39615) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First goal is find WHEN they meet; how much time they travel until they meet. From that, you can calculate or compute either Smith or Jones distance traveled.

Essential idea, rate*time=distance

Traveler___________speed__________time_________distance
Smith______________7______________h____________7h
Jones______________3______________h____________3h
Total__________________________________________34

Formulate the needed equation from that data table and solve.