Question 119002
If the two planes are flying toward each other, then the horizontal distance between them is decreasing at a rate given by the sum of their speeds, i.e 250 mph plus 290 mph or 540 mph.  The question becomes how long does it take to travel 1350 miles at 540 mph.


{{{t=d/r}}}


{{{t=1350/540=2.5}}}


So the planes pass each other in 2 and a half hours.


Check.  Plane 1 will travel {{{250 * 2.5=625}}}miles in 2 and a half hours
Plane 2 will travel {{{290*2.5=725}}} miles in the same 2 and a half hours.


{{{625 + 725 = 1350}}}  Together, they will travel the entire 1350 miles in 2.5 hours.  Answer checks.