A train travels 30 miles per hour faster than a car. The train covers 120 miles in the same time that the car covers 80 miles. What are the speeds of the car and of the train?

Question

In answering this question, you should define a variable, organize information in a table, write an equation, solve it, and write your answer in context.

Answer 1

xt = 80 where x is the speed and t is the time,

(x+30) t = 120

xt + 30t = 120

80 + 30t = 120

30t = 40

t = 40/30 = 4/3 hr = 1 hour 20 min

the car travels 80 miles in 4/3 hours, which is 80 divided by 4/3 = 80 * 3/4 = 60 mph

so the train travels 90 mph. In 4/3 hours, it will go 120 miles.