Question

An eastbound train and a westbound train meet each other on parallel tracks heading in opposite directions. The eastbound train travels 18 miles per hour faster than the westbound train. After 2.5 hours, they are 280 miles apart. At what speeds are the two trains traveling?

Answer 1

Answer: The eastbound train is traveling at 65mph while the westbound train travels at 47mph.

Explanation:

You would use x as the variable for the speed of the westbound train. The eastbound train would be 18+x. your equation would be 2.5(18+x+x)=280
You would find that x=47 for the westbound train. You would then add 18 to get the speed of the eastbound train which would be 65.