SOLUTION: Two train engines are approaching each other on the same track. They begin at a distance of 20 miles, and are each traveling at a rate of 10 mph. At the instant they begin, a dra

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: Two train engines are approaching each other on the same track. They begin at a distance of 20 miles, and are each traveling at a rate of 10 mph. At the instant they begin, a dra      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 954032: Two train engines are approaching each other on the same track. They begin at a distance of 20 miles, and are each traveling at a rate of 10 mph. At the instant they begin, a dragonfly takes off from the front of one train at a rate of 15mph. When it meets the front of the other train, it immediately turns around and heads back towards the first train. It continues back and forth until it is crushed when the two trains meet.

What is the total distance traveled by the fly on its zig-zag journey before it meets its end?

Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If each train is going 10mph, they are approaching at a rate of 20mph. From a distance of 20 miles, they will meet in 1 hour. At a rate of 15 mph, the dragonfly flies 15 miles in one hour.ANSWER: The dragonfly travels 15 miles.