Question

A freight train left Washington and traveled south at an average speed of 40 mph. Sometime later, a passenger train left traveling in the opposite direction with an average speed of 60 mph. After the freight train had traveled for 12 hours, the trains were 1200 mi. apart. Find the number of hours the passenger train traveled.

A. 8 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 11 hours

Answer 1

To determine the travel time of the passenger train, we calculate the distance covered by the freight train and subtract it from the total separation distance. Dividing the remaining distance by the speed of the passenger train gives us the travel time of 12 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the number of hours the passenger train traveled before the trains were 1200 miles apart, we can set up an equation that factors in the speed and travel time of both trains. Let's let t represent the travel time of the passenger train.

The freight train travels at 40 mph for 12 hours, so it covers a distance of:

40 mph × 12 hours = 480 miles

The total distance apart is 1200 miles, which means the passenger train covers the remaining distance:

1200 miles - 480 miles = 720 miles

Now, using the speed of the passenger train, which is 60 mph, we find the time it takes to travel 720 miles:

720 miles / 60 mph = 12 hours

Thus, the passenger train traveled for 12 hours before the two trains were 1200 miles apart.