Question 192905
A train traveling 50 mph left a station 30 minutes before a second train running at 55 mph. How soon did the second train overtake the first? 
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1st train DATA:
rate = 50 mph ; time = x hrs ; distance = rt = 50x miles
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2nd train DATA:
rate = 55 mph ; time = (x-(1/2)) hrs ; distance = rt = 55(x-(1/2)) miles
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Equation:
distance = distance 
50x = 55(x-(1/2)
50x = 55x - (55/2)
-5x = -55/2
x = 11/2
x = 5 1/2 hrs (time at which the 2nd train overtakes the 1st train)
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Cheers,
Stan H.