Distance, Rate, and Time

Question

A northbound train and a southbound train meet each other on parallel tracks heading in opposite directions. The northbound train travels 20 miles per hour faster than the southbound train. After 2.5 hours, they are 295 miles apart. At what speeds are the two trains traveling?

Write an equation using the information as it is given above that can be used to solve this problem. Use the variable R to represent the speed of the southbound train.

Equation:   

The northbound train is traveling_____mph.

The southbound train is traveling _____mph.

Answer 1

49 and 69 mph for Southbound and Northbound trains

after 2.5 hours they're 295 miles apart. North bound 20 miles per hour faster than the South bound both in the opposite directions.

N = 20 + S

N+S = (295)/2.5 = 118

20 +S +S = 118

2S = 118-20= 98

S= 98/2 = 49 mph

N = 69 mph

after 2.5 hours South bound has gone 2.5(49) = 122.5

after 2.5 hours Northbound has gone 2.5(69) = 172.5

122.5+ 172.5 = 295 miles apart