SOLUTION: Distance Traveled. A private airplane leaves Midway airport and flies due east at a speed of 180km/h. Two hours later, a jet leaves and flies due east at a speed of 900km/h. How fa

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: Distance Traveled. A private airplane leaves Midway airport and flies due east at a speed of 180km/h. Two hours later, a jet leaves and flies due east at a speed of 900km/h. How fa      Log On

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Question 802379: Distance Traveled. A private airplane leaves Midway airport and flies due east at a speed of 180km/h. Two hours later, a jet leaves and flies due east at a speed of 900km/h. How far from the airport will the jet overtake the private plane?
I have to solve this using the 5 steps to problem solving. So, far for step 1. I put Let x= the distance where the jet overtakes the plane, but I am not sure if this is right or what formula I would even use in order to list the other 4 steps properly.

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A private airplane leaves Midway airport and flies due east at a speed of 180km/h.
Two hours later, a jet leaves and flies due east at a speed of 900km/h.
How far from the airport will the jet overtake the private plane?
:
I would do it this way.
Let t = time required for the jet to overtake the slower plane
then
(t+2) = travel time of the slower plane when overtaken
:
When this happens they will have traveled the same distance
Write a dist equation: dist = speed * time
;
900t = 180(t+2)
900t = 180t + 360
900t - 180t = 360
720t = 360
t = 360/720
t = .5 hrs, a half hour for the jet to overtake the slower plane
:
Now find the distance
900 * .5 = 450 mi
:
:
Confirm this solution by finding the distance with the slower plane
2.5(180) - 450 mi also