Problema Solution

A train leaves the city at 2 p.m. A second train leaves the city at 8 p.m. and follows the first train. The second train's speed is 162 miles per hour faster than the first train's. If the second train overtakes the first train at 10 p.m., what are the speeds of the two trains?

Answer provided by our tutors

Let

v = the speed of the first train

v + 162 = the speed of the second train

t1 = 10 - 2 = 8 hr the time of the first time

t2 = 10 - 8 = 2 ht the time of the second time

Since both trains travel the same distance we have:

vt1 = (v + 162)t2 (we use the formula distance = speed*time)

8v = 2(v + 162)

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click here to see the equation solved for v

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v = 54 mph

v + 162 = 54 + 162 = 216 mph

The speed of the first train is 54 mph while the speed of the second train is 216 mph.