A train leaves Lexington for Indianapolis, 200 miles away, at 3:00 PM and averages 60 mph. A second train traveling on an adjacent track leaves Indianapolis for Lexington at 5:30 PM and averages 40 mph. At what time will the trains meet?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Set this up.  Let t= time after 3:00 (we will assume the two locations are in the same time zone).  So the distances traveled will have to total 200 miles. That means$$60t+40(t-5/2)=200$$which I think you should be able to solve.

anonymous · Answer

If my mental math is any good, t=3, so the trains meet at 6:00 PM.

anonymous · Answer

Where did the -5/2 come from?

anonymous · Answer

That's the two and a half hour head start the first train gets.  The second train doesn't start until 5:30, so its time traveled is t-2.5=t-5/2.

anonymous · Answer

Ohh okay, I understand now! Setting up these type of problems are a bit difficult

anonymous · Answer

Just takes some practice.  Keep after it!

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!