Story problem help

Question

A private airplane leaves Midway Airport and flies due east at a speed of 180 kph. Two hours later, a jet leaves Midway and flies due east at a speed of 900 kph. how far from the airport will the jet overtake the private plane?

I need some help with this problem. Please explain how to set up the equation. Once it is set up, I completely know how to solve it. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi Nick,

 

The basic equation is distance equals rate times time.

 

The time (t +2) for the first plane is 2 hours more than the 2nd plane's time (t) when they meet.

 

The rates are 180 for the first plane and 900 for the second plane.

 

The distance that each plane has flown is the same when they meet.

 

So rate x time for the first plane = rate times time for the second plane.

 

Have fun solving this.

 

Dan