Question

A train leaves L.A. at 2pm and heads north at 50mph. If the next train leaves the station 3 hours later and heads north at 60 mph, what time will the second train catch up with the first?

Answer 1

Answer:

• 8 AM

Step-by-step explanation:

• Start time = 2 PM
• Speed of the first train = 50 mph
• Speed of the second train = 60 mph
• Trains head same direction
• The second train spends 3 hour less time than the first but both take same distance

Let the time in travel for the first train be x, then we have equation for distance:

• 50x = 60(x - 3)
• 50x = 60x - 180
• 60x - 50x = 180
• 10x = 180
• x = 18 hours

Time when the second train caches up the first one:

• 2 PM + 18 hours = 8 AM next day