A word problem about trains.

Question

Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading west and the other east. The westbound train travels 16 miles per hour slower than the eastbound train. If the two trains are 320 miles apart after 2 hours, what is the rate of the westbound train? Do not do any rounding.

Answer 1

distance=rate*time

d=rt

320=r*2+(r-16)*2

320=2r+2r-32

320=4r-32

320+32=4r

352=4r

r=352/4

r=88 mph for the faster train (eastbound train)

r-16=88-16=72 mph for the slower train (westbound train)