Question 61544
Let x=Distance from Portland to El Paso

Now the time it takes the plane to make the trip is the distance (x) divided by the rate (303 mph) and , likewise, the time it takes the car to make the trip is distance divided by rate which is (x) divided by 50 mph.

We know that the difference between these two times is 35.42 hours. Thus, the equation to solve is:

x/50-x/303=35.42  Lets clear the fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by(50)(303).  This gives us:
303x-50x=(35.42)(50)(303) simplifying, we get:
253x=536,613
x=2121 miles


Hope this helps------ptaylor