Question

Two trains leave stations 342 miles apart at the same time and travel toward each other. One train travels at 105 miles per hour while the other travels at 85 miles per hour. How long will it take for the two trains to meet?Do not do any rounding.

Answer 1

1.8 hours.

Explanation:

It is important to note that:

Speed = Distance ÷ Time

We have two trains.

Step 1

We have to find the distance that each train travelled.

Since Speed = Distance ÷ Time

Distance = Speed × Time

First train

It travels at 105 miles per hour

Distance travelled by first train =

105 × x hours

= 105x miles

Second Train

It travels at 85 miles per hour

Distance travelled by the second train = 85 miles × x hours

= 85x miles

We are told that: the two trains leave stations 342 miles apart at the same time and travel toward each other

Hence, the time it would take each train to meet each other is calculated as:

105x + 85x = 342 miles

190x = 342 miles

x = 342/190

x = 1.8 hours.