Question

Enter an equation that can be used to solve this problem, where x represents the number of hours that the first plane had been traveling.

Two planes left the same airport traveling in opposite directions. The first plane left the airport at 2 P.M. traveling at an average rate of 500 mph. The second plane left the airport at 4 P.M. traveling at an average rate of 550 mph. When will the planes be 3100 miles apart?

Enter the amount hours, after the first plane left, when the planes will be 3100 miles apart.
Equation:


___h

Answer 1

x=number of hours that the first plane had been traveling.
(x-2)=number of hours that the second plane had been traveling.

we can suggest this equation:

500x+550(x-2)=3100

Now, we can solve this equation:
500x+550(x-2)=3100
500x+550x-1100=3100
1050x=3100+1100
1050x=4200
x=4200/1050
x=4

Answer:
Equation: 500x+550(x-2)=3100
The amount hours, after the first plane left , when the planes will be 3100 miles would be 4 hours.