Question

Two planes, which are 3950 miles apart fly toward each other. Their speeds differ by 40 mph. If they pass each other in 5 hours, what is the speedof each?AnswerHow to enter your answer (opens in new window) 3 Pointsa Keypad

Answer 1

Remember that

The speed is equal to divide the distance by the time

speed=d/t

Let

x ----> speed plane 1

x+40 ----> speed plane 2

we know that

the initial distance between them is 3,950 miles

d=speed*t

when they pass each other

distance plane 1 -----> d1=x*5=5x

distance plane 2-----> d2=(x+40)*5=5x+200

we have that

d1+d2=3,950

substitute

5x+5x+200=3,950

10x=3,950-200

10x=3,750

x=375

x+40=415

therefore

the speed of the planes are 375 mph and 415 mph