The question goes as follows:

Question

Two trains are moving toward each other at speeds 17 mph and 43 mph. How far apart are they 1 minute before they pass each other?

So I have been trying to answer this question for a while now, and it is turning out to be a little harder than I thought it would be because I am not confident with the answer that I get. I would greatly appreciate any help.

Answer 1

The distance between them is decreasing at a rate of 50 mph, (17+13)

So in the last minute the distance to be covered is
(1/60)(50) miles ----> recall, distance = rate x time
= 5/6 of a mile

Answer 2

Thank you for your response, but to clarify, why is "(17+13)" important in the problem?

Answer 3

Reiny I believe you have made a mistake, but using the same method, the correct answer would be 1mile (because (1/60)*(60)). But still, thanks for the help.