Two cars that are 150 miles apart start driving toward each other on parallel roads. The average speed of the first car is 60 miles per hour. The average speed of the second car is 55 miles per hour. Which equation can be used to determine t, the time it takes for the two cars to pass each other?

Question

A table showing Rate in mile per hour, Time in hours, and Distance in miles. The first row shows First Car and has 60, t, and 60 t. The second row shows Second Car and has, 55, t, and 55 t.

60t – 55t = 0
60t + 55t = 1
60t + 55t = 150
60t – 55t = 150

Answer 1

To determine the time \( t \) it takes for the two cars to pass each other, we can use the relationship between distance, speed, and time.

The distances traveled by the two cars when they meet will add up to the total distance between them, which is 150 miles.

For the first car traveling at 60 miles per hour for \( t \) hours, the distance it travels is \( 60t \) miles. For the second car traveling at 55 miles per hour for \( t \) hours, the distance it travels is \( 55t \) miles.

When they pass each other, the sum of the distances traveled by both cars will equal 150 miles. This gives us the equation:

\[ 60t + 55t = 150 \]

So, the correct equation to determine \( t \) is:

\[ 60t + 55t = 150 \]

This can be simplified to:

\[ 115t = 150 \]

And then you can solve for \( t \).