Question 761823
Step 1: Let speed of westbound train be x miles per hour
Step 2: Then speed of eastbound train is (x+16) miles per hour

Step 3: So, at the end of every hour, the distance between them would be
{{{x + x + 16 = 2*x+16}}} miles, since they are travelling in opposite directions

Step 4: At the end of 2.5 hours, the distance would be
{{{2.5*(2*x+16) = 5*x + 40}}}   ---> multiplying step 3 by 2.5

Step 5: Since the distance between them is given to be 320 miles after 2.5 hours, we equate the result of step 4 to 320.

{{{5*x + 40 = 320}}}

Step 6: Solve for x. Subtract 40 from both sides, and divide by 5.

{{{5*x = 280}}} and {{{x = 280/5 = 56}}}

Speed of westbound train is {{{highlight(56)}}} and speed of eastbound train is {{{56+16=highlight(72)}}} miles per hour.


:)