Question

Two trucks leave a warehouse at the same time. One travels due north at an average speed of 53 miles per hour, and the other travels due south at an average speed of 49 miles per hour. After how many hours will the two trucks be 459 miles apart?

Answer 1

Answer:

4.5 hours.

= 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Distance = Rate x Time

in this case, D = 459 miles

because each driver will drive for the same length of time, we can use their average rate

so, D = average rate x Time

459 miles = (53mph + 49mph)/2 x Time

459 miles / 51mph = 9 hours

Since the total time is 9 hours, each driver will drive for 4 hours 30mins.

Proof: 53mph x 4.5h + 49mph x 4.5h

= 238.5m + 220.5m = 459 miles