Question

To motorists leave from the same point at the same time, one traveling east at 36 MPH and the other traveling west at 44 MPH. How many hours will it take for them to be 260 miles apart?

Answer 1

This is a very good question to know about. People who make tests really like it.

The way to solve it is to make the slower car stop and use the difference in speed = to the rate. then do it as an ordinary d = r*t problem.

The difference in speeds  is 44 - 36 = 8 miles/ hour.
d = 260 miles
r = 8 mph
t = ???

t = d/r
t = 260/8
t = 32.5 hours.

Thats 32 1/2 hours.