Question

A train leaves the station at 9:00 pm traveling east at 36 miles per hour a second train leaves the station at 10:00 pm traveling west at 42 miles per hour at what time will both trains have traveled the same distance

Answer 1

Add the time they arrive at the common to individual starting points.
9.00 +
`(x)/(36) =10.00 + (x)/(42)`
put the like terms together;
10.00 - 9.00=
`(x)/(36) - (x)/(42)`
1=
`(42x-36x)/(36*42)`
1=
`(6x)/(36*42)`
6x=36*42
x=
`(36*42)/(6)`
x=252 miles