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Two cars are traveling north along a highway. The first drives at 40 mph, and the second, which leaves 3 hours later, travels at 60 mph. How long after the second car leaves will it take for the second car to catch the first?  

 

Observe that "catch the first" car means "reach the same distance". 

 

Distance equals velocity x time.  S = v • t   

 

1st car will travel this distance:                  S  =  40 mph • H hours    

 

2nd car will travel this distance                  S  =  60 mph • (H – 3) hours  

 

Since the 2nd car catches up with the 1st and that's the same as saying they've traveled the same distance, then set the distances equal. 

 

                                                                  40 mi/hr • H hr  =  60 mi/hr • (H – 3) hr 

 

Drop the units for ease                              40H  =  60H – 180 

 

Subtract 60H from both sides                     –20H  =  –180  

 

Divide both sides by –20                                  H  =  9

 

Since we were talking about time, 

then the applicable units is Hours                    The 2nd car catches the 1st car after 9 hours  

 

Check answer                                                  Does 40 • 9  =  60 • 6 ?   Yes, it does. 

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Jul 26, 2020
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Jul 26, 2020

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