86.3k views
0 votes
Two trains going in opposite directions leave at the same time. Train B travels 30 mph faster than train A. In 3 hours the trains are 330 miles apart. Find the speed of each.

1 Answer

3 votes
Using the magic of algebra!:

The time each train goes in 1 hour will be represented as a / b.
b is 30 more than a, so if we add 30 to a it should equal b.
a + 30 = b
In three hours, the trains are 330 miles apart.
Esentially, we're adding up the distance each train goes from the starting point to find the distance between them.
3b + 3a = 330
Now we have a system of equations to solve.
a + 30 = b
3b + 3a = 330
We want to get the variables on seperate sides of the equation for easy solving.
a + 30 = b
3b = 330 - 3a
Then get the value of the one variable the same so we can use the transitive property.
a + 30 = b
b = 110 - a

a + 30 = 110 - a
2a + 30 = 110
2a = 80
a = 40
mph

(And thus b = 70 mph)
User Ajmal Hasan
by
7.6k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories