## Elementary Algebra

Published by Cengage Learning

# Chapter 3 - Equations and Problem Solving - 3.5 - Problem Solving - Problem Set 3.5 - Page 131: 19

#### Answer

It will take 2.5 hours for both trains to meet.

#### Work Step by Step

Since both trains leave at the same time, they will have traveled the same amount of time when they meet. Let t represent the time they travel until they meet. The freight train travels at 40 miles per hour, for a time of t, meaning that it travels for a distance which is equal to 40 $\times$ t = 40t. The passenger train travels at 90 miles per hour, for a time of t, which means that it travels for a distance which equals to 90 $\times$ t = 90t. Since they both travel for a distance of 325, we can set up the following equation: 40t + 90t = 325 130t = 325 t = 2.5 It will take 2.5 hours for both trains to meet.

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