The first train leaves Miami at 1:00pm.

Question

The first train leaves Miami at 1:00pm. A second train leaves the same city in the same direction at 5:00pm. The second train travels 60 mph faster than the first. If the second trian overtakes the first train at 8:00pm, what is the speed of each of the two trains?

Answer 1

train one went 45 mph, train two went 105 mph

distance = velocity x time

d=vt

V2=velocity of train 2

t2=3 (8pm-5pm) total time train 2 traveled

V1=velocity of train 1

t1=7 (8pm-1pm) = total time train 1 traveled

V2=60+V1 Train 2 is 60mph faster than train 1

d=V2(3)=3V2 =V1(7)=7V1 distances are the same for both trains

3V2=7V1 substitute 60+V1 for V2

3(60+V1)=7V1

180+3V1=7V1

4V1=180

V1=180/4=45 mph

V2=V1+60=45=60=105 mph

Train one went 45mph x 7 hours =315 miles

Train two went 105 mph x 3 hours =315 miles