Let’s solve this step by step.
We have two planes flying toward each other. They start 2400 miles apart and meet after 5 hours. One plane flies 60 mph faster than the other. We need to find their speeds.
---
Step 1: Let’s call the speed of the slower plane
x mph.
Then the faster plane flies at
x + 60 mph.
---
Step 2: Since they’re flying toward each other, their speeds add up when calculating how fast the distance between them is closing.
So combined speed = x + (x + 60) =
2x + 60 mph.
---
Step 3: In 5 hours, together they cover 2400 miles.
Distance = Speed × Time → So:
> 5 × (2x + 60) = 2400
---
Step 4: Solve for x.
Divide both sides by 5:
> 2x + 60 = 480
Subtract 60 from both sides:
> 2x = 420
Divide by 2:
> x = 210
---
Step 5: So the slower plane flies at
210 mph, and the faster one at
210 + 60 = 270 mph.
---
Step 6: Check our answer.
In 5 hours:
- Slower plane: 210 × 5 = 1050 miles
- Faster plane: 270 × 5 = 1350 miles
- Total: 1050 + 1350 = 2400 miles
✔
Perfect — matches the problem.
Final Answer:
The slower plane flies at 210 mph, and the faster plane flies at 270 mph.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of hard math word problems.
