SOLUTION: suppose two trains leave a station at the same time, traveling in opposite directions. One train travels 20 miles faster than the other. In 2.5 hours the trains are 255 miles apart
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Question 884936: suppose two trains leave a station at the same time, traveling in opposite directions. One train travels 20 miles faster than the other. In 2.5 hours the trains are 255 miles apart. Find the speed of the trains. Answer by JulietG(1812) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! In 2.5 hours, the trains travel 255 miles. 255/2.5 = 102 miles per hour (combined speed).
A + B = 102
A = B + 20 [One train travels 20 miles faster than the other.]
Substitute the value of A from the second equation into the first.
A + B = 102
(B+20) + B = 102
Add
2B + 20 = 102
Subtract 20 from each side
2B = 82
Divide each side by 2
B = 41
If train B is traveling 41 mph, then train A is traveling 41+20, or 61 mph
.
Let's prove it.
Train A travels 61 mph for 2.5 hours. 61 * 2.5 = 152.5 miles
Train B travels 41 mph for 2.5 hours. 41 * 2.5 = 102.5 miles
Add them together: 152.5 + 102.5 = 255 miles
