Question

A train leaves New York for Boston, 200 miles away, at 5:00 P.M. and averages 40 mph. Another train leaves Boston for New York on an adjacent set of tracks at 3:00 P.M. and averages 60 mph. At what time will the trains meet?

Answer 1

Between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM the 60mph train has traveled 60 mph * 2 hr, 120 miles, so there is now 80 miles separating the trains. Let t be the elapsed time that it takes for the trains to meet starting when the clock reads 5:00 PM. Solve the following for t:\[60t+40t=80\]\[t=\frac{4}{5} \text{hrs} = 48 \min \]The trains meet at 5:48 PM.

Answer 2

That is the correct solution. I mis-read the problem. Good job @robtobey

Answer 3

Thank you @Hero.