Problema Solution

Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading east and the other west. The eastbound train travels 14 miles per hour slower than the westbound train. If the two trains are 540 miles apart after 3 hours, what is the rate of the eastbound train?

Answer provided by our tutors

let 'x' represent the speed of the eastbound train, then 'x+14' represents the speed of the westbound train and their relative speed is 'x+x+14' since the trains are travelling in opposite directions


distance = speed * time

540 = (x+x+14)3

solving for 'x' we have x=83


the eastbound train is travelling at 83mph