Example

Solving a Uniform Motion Application: Finding Travel Time for Trucks Moving in Opposite Directions

Apply the seven-step problem-solving strategy to determine the time required for two vehicles traveling in opposite directions to reach a specific separation distance.

Problem: Two truck drivers depart simultaneously from an interstate rest area. The westbound truck moves at 7070 mph, while the eastbound truck maintains an average speed of 6060 mph. How many hours will elapse before they are separated by 325325 miles?

  1. Read and draw: Sketch a diagram showing the rest stop with arrows indicating the westbound (7070 mph) and eastbound (6060 mph) trucks. The total separation is 325325 miles. Create a table with columns for Rate, Time, and Distance.
  2. Identify: We need to find the travel time until the trucks are 325325 miles apart.
  3. Name: Let tt equal the travel time in hours for both trucks. Multiply each vehicle's rate by tt to determine their individual distances. The westbound distance is 70t70t and the eastbound distance is 60t60t.
  4. Translate: Since the trucks are moving in opposite directions from the same starting point, the sum of their individual distances equals the total separation distance: 70t+60t=32570t + 60t = 325.
  5. Solve: Combine the like terms to get 130t=325130t = 325. Dividing both sides by 130130 yields t=2.5t = 2.5.
  6. Check: The westbound truck travels 702.5=17570 \cdot 2.5 = 175 miles. The eastbound truck travels 602.5=15060 \cdot 2.5 = 150 miles. The total distance is 175+150=325175 + 150 = 325 miles. \checkmark
  7. Answer: The trucks will be 325325 miles apart after 2.52.5 hours.
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Updated 2026-05-02

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