word problem

flew62999

New member
Joined
Aug 30, 2005
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47
A train and a car leave from train station at the same time headed for Sacramento. The car averages 50 mph and the train averages 70mph. If the train arrives at Sac 2 hours ahead of the car, find the distance from the station to Sac.

I tried to solve this using Rate x Time = Distance. But still had problems creating the correct formula.

50t x 70 (t + 2) = ?

HELP!
 
your problem

I know it's probably too late, but I found the answer...It's something that's kind of hard to explain over an internet chat board but would be better in person. Try asking a friend or teacher.. :D
 
I tried asking a math wizard friend and even she had problems trying to solve...

well I could still use some direction on where to start...
Thanks.
 
train:
rate: 70
time: t
distance: 70t

car:
rate: 50
time: t + 2
distance: 50(t + 2)

The distances are the same, so set them equal, and solve for t. Back-solve for the distance.

Eliz.
 
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