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Expert: - 1/4/2006


Question
Plane A left the airport at 3:30 p.m. traveling west at 450mph. Plane B left the same airport at 4:00 p.m. travelling west at 500 mph at what time would plane B overtake plane A?

Answer
Hello Dennis,

Let t=the time, in hours, Plane B is in air.
Thus, t+1.5=the time Plane A is in air.

We want: 450(t+0.5)=500t (i.e. the distance each
has travelled to be equal).  Now just solve for t.
==> 450t+225=500t ==> 225=50t ==> t=4.5 hours.
So, 4.5 hours past 4 PM = 8:30 PM.

OK?

Abe

Algebra

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Volunteer

Abe Mantell

Expertise

Hello, I am a college professor of mathematics and regularly teach all levels from elementary mathematics through differential equations, and would be happy to assist anyone with such questions!

Experience

Over 15 years teaching at the college level.

Organizations
NCTM, NYSMATYC, AMATYC, MAA, NYSUT, AFT.

Education/Credentials
B.S. in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
M.S. (and A.B.D.) in Applied Mathematics from SUNY @ Stony Brook

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