Answer:
It will take 2 hours for the trains to meet
Step-by-step explanation:
When two objects move towards each other and started at the same time the distance between the two starting points is the sum of the distance that each one moves until meet each other
The formula of the distance is Distance = Speed × Time
A freight train leaves Centralia for Chicago
A passenger train leave Chicago for Centralia
They started at the same time
The distance between Centralia and Chicago = distance of freight train + distance of passenger train ⇒ when they meet each other
∵ The freight train travels at the speed of 45 mph
∴ Its speed is 45 miles per hour
∵ The passenger train travels at a speed of 64 mph
∴ Its speed is 64 miles per hour
- Assume that they will meet each other after t hours
∴ The distance of the freight train = 45 × t = 45 t miles
∴ The distance of the passenger train = 64 × t = 64 t miles
∵ Chicago and Centralia are 218 miles apart
- That means add the distance of the two trains and equate the
sum by 218
∴ 45 t + 64 t = 218
∴ 109 t = 218
- Divide both sides by 2
∴ t = 2
∵ t represents the time that they will take to meet each other
∴ The two trains will meet each other after 2 hours
∴ It will take 2 hours for the trains to meet
