Question

Two trains leave towns 471 miles apart at the same time and travel toward each other. One train travels 21 miles per hour slower than the other. If they meet in 3 hours, what is the rate of each train?.

Answer 1

Let the slower train's velocity be x-21

Let the faster train's velocity be x

We know that the approach speed is the sum of both speeds, so x+x -21= 2x-21.

The approach rate is given by Distance/time = 471/3 = 157mpH

x+x-21=157

2x=157+21

2x=178

x=89mph

The slower train is travelling 89-21 = 68mph

The faster train is travelling 89mph.