Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading west and the other east. The westbound train travels 10 miles per hour faster than the eastbound tr

Question

Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading west and the other east. The westbound train travels
10
miles per hour faster than the eastbound train. If the two trains are
360
miles apart after
2
hours, what is the rate of the westbound train?
Do not do any rounding.

Answer 1

v = speed of eastbound train in mph

v + 10 = speed of westbound train in mph

t = travel time = 2 hours

 

vt + (v + 10)t = 360 miles

 

(2v + 10)t = 360

 

(2v + 10)(2) = 360

 

2v + 10 = 180 

 

v = (180 - 10)/2 = 85 mph

v + 10 = (85 + 10) mph = 95 mph

 

Test the answer.

Answer 2

let east bound train  speed =x mph
west bound train speed = x+10 mph

 

Distance = speed * time

 

Distance traveled by east bound train = 2x

 

Distance traveled by west bound train = 2(x+10)

 

2x +2(x+10) =360

2x+2x +20 =360

4x = 340

x = 85

 

east bound train speed =x = 85 mph
west bound train speed = x+10 = 85+10 =95  mph