Question

Two trains leave the station at the same time, one heading east and the other west. The eastbound train travels at 85 miles per hour. The westbound train
travels at 75 miles per hour. How long will it take for the two trains to be 192 miles apart?
Do not do any rounding.

Answer 1

Answer:

It will take 1 hour and 12 minutes for the two trains to be 192 miles apart

Step-by-step explanation:

The total distance between the two trains is the distance traveled by both trains. The distance traveled by the eastbound train is 85 mph * elapsed time and the distance traveled by the westbound train is 75 * elapsed time.

The combined formula is distance traveled = speed of first train * elapsed time + speed of second train * elapsed time.

Since the elapsed time is equal for both trains then the formula is modified as distance traveled = (speed of first train + speed of second train) * elapsed time.

Solving for the elapsed time

distance traveled = (speed of first train + speed of second train) * elapsed time

192 miles = (85mph + 75 mph) * elapsed time

192 miles = 160 mph * elapsed time

elapsed time = 192 miles / 160 mph

elapsed time = 1.2 hours

elapsed time = 1 hour and 12 minutes

It will take 1 hour and 12 minutes for the two trains to be 192 miles apart.