Question 56573
Use the distance formula:
Distance = (Rate)(Time)
.

Express: Distance = (80kph)(time)
Local: Distance = (48kpm)(time + 2 additional hours)
Find the distance apart.
.
Since the both trains will travel the same distance between the towns:
Distance (Express)=Distance (Local)
80t=(48)(t+2) [Simplify]
80t=48t+96
80t-48t=96
32t=96
t=96/32
t=3 hours
.
Plug 3 hours back into either of the original formulas and solve for the distance.
Express: Distance=(80)(time)
Distance = (80)(3)
Distance = 240 miles.
.
Try the other distance for the local train:
Local: Distance = (48)(time + 2 additional hours)
Distance = (48)(3+2)
Distance = (48)(5)
Distance = 240 miles