Algebra
WORD PROBLEMS
Example 2:
How long does it take a plane traveling at 650 miles per hour to go 1430 miles?
Solution:
Using Equation 2-14:
t
s
vav
t
1430 miles
650miles
hour
t = 2.2 hours
Example 3:
What is the average speed of a train that completes a 450-mile trip in 5 hours?
Solution:
Using Equation 2-15:
vav
s
t
vav
450 miles
5 hours
vav
90 miles/hour
Algebraic word problems involving motion are solved using the general relationship among
distance, time, and average velocity following the same five basic steps for solving any algebraic
word problem.
Example 1:
A plane flying at 525 miles per hour completes a trip in 2 hours less than another
plane flying at 350 miles per hour. What is the distance traveled?
Rev. 0
Page 55
MA-02
