Problema Solution

suppose two trains leave a station at the same time, traveling in opposite directions. one train travels 20 mph faster than the other. in 2.5 hours, the trains are 255 miles apart. find the speed of each train

Answer provided by our tutors

let


v = the speed of the slower train


v + 20 = the speed of the faster train


t = 2.5 hr


d = 255 mi


since distance = speed*time we have:


v*t + (v + 20)*t = d


2.5v + (v + 20)*2.5 = 255


by solving we find:


v = 41 mph


click here to see the step by step solution of the equation:


Click to see all the steps



v + 20 = 41 + 20 = 61 mph


the speed of the faster train is 61 mph while the speed of the slower train is 41 mph.