Train A leaves station at 40mi/hr. 2hrs later train B leaves station at 60mi/hr. Where will the second train overtake the first?

Question

Linear equation

Answer 1

Train A has a; 40 mi/hr * 2 hr = 80 mile headstart on Train B

 

Set the distance traveled by both trains equal to each other to first find the time it takes for Train B to catch A.

 

Let: x = Hours

 

Train A distance = Train B distance

 

80 + 40x = 60x

80 = 60x - 40x

80 = 20x

80/20 = x

4 hrs = x

 

So the Train B will catch up to Train A in 4 hours. Where will the second train overtake the first?

 

Use this time to find the distance at which Train B overtakes Train A.

 

60 mi/hr * 4 hr = 240 miles from the station. (starting point)