Question

19.

Two trains leave New York traveling in opposite directions. The faster train travels 10mph faster than
the slower train. Find the speed of each train if the trains are 270 miles apart after 3 hours.

Answer 1

One train is traveling at 40 mph and the other train is traveling at 50 mph

Explanation:

Distance = rate times time

If I add the two rates and times together, I will get the total distance

Train 1

Rate x + 10

Time 3

Train 2

Rate x

Time x

3(x + 10) + 3x = 270 Distribute the 3

3x + 30 + 3x = 270 Combine like terms

6x + 30 = 270 Subtract 30 from both sides of the equation

6x = 240 Divide both sides by 6

x = 40 This is the slower train. Add 10 for the faster train.