Two trains leave Houston at the same time. One travels West at 70 mph and the other travels east 65 mph. In how many hours will they be 1350 miles apart

Question

Please help having trouble with this word problem. Thank you!!

Answer 1

Distance each train travels = speed * time

x = number of hours each train travels.

train going east goes 65x  miles

train going west goes 70x milesAssuming they are going in a straight line direction opposite to one another,

 

65x + 70x = 1350

135x = 1350

x = 10 hours

 

Answer 2

Their relative speed is 70 + 65 = 135 mph

 

time required to travel 1350 miles = 1350/135 = 10 hrs

:)