Question

Rich is driving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh at 70 mph and Michelle is driving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia at 65 mph. If Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are 305 miles apart how long will it take Rich and Michelle to meet?
A. 2 hours
B. 2 hours 30 minutes
C. 2 hours 15 minutes
D. 2 hours 25 minutes

Answer 1

The distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh is 305 miles.

Both are travelling towards each other. When they will meet the sum of distance traveled by both would be 305 miles, as together they have covered the entire distance between the two cities.

We know that:

Distance = Speed x Time

We know the distance. We know the speeds. Since they are travelling towards each other, the overall speed will be the sum of speeds of Rich and Michelle. So we can say with a speed of 135 mph they have to cover 305 miles.

305 = 135 x Time

Time = 305/135 = 2.25 hours = 2 hours and 15 minutes

So, they will meet after 2 hours and 15 minutes.

So, C option is the correct answer

Answer 2

T = d/V

t1 = t2

They will meet at point X

D1 = 305  - X
D2 = X
(305-X)/70 =X/60

Solve for X = 140.77 miles

t = 140.77/60 =61/26 hrs or 2.346 hrs or 2 hrs and 20 minutes