what is the rate of speed for each train

Question

A passenger train leaves a train depot 1 h after a freight train leaves the same depot. The freight train is traveling 18 mph slower than the passenger train. Find the rate of each train if the passenger train overtakes the freight train in 2 h.

Answer 1

distance = rate of speed times time

d = rt

p = (f)2) = (p-18)2

p = 2p -36

p = 36

let p = the passenger train speed

f= the freight train speed

p =36 mph= passenger train speed

f= 18 mph = freight train speed

36 = 18 +18. the freight train is 18mph slower

in 2 hours the freight goes 18x2 = 36 miles

in 1 hour the passengers go 36 x1 = 36 miles