Question

Use the three steps to solve the problem.

A "Local" train leaves a station and runs at an average rate of 35 mph. An hour and a half later an "Express" train leaves the station and travels at an average rate of 56 mph on a parallel track. How many hours after it starts will the Express overtake the Local?

Answer 1

It will take 2.5 hours

Explanation:

Answer 2

The rate that train 1 is going plus the distance:

35x+52.5

The rate that train 2 is going plus the distance:

56x+0

X=number of hours

Solve for X to find where the 2 trains have gone the same distance:

35x+52.5=56x
52.5=21x
2.5=x

The express train will overtake the local train 2 and a half hours after it leaves