A train headed south for Wichita left the station at the same time a train headed north for Des Moines left the same station. The train headed for Wichita traveled at 55 miles per hour. The train headed for Des Moines traveled at 70 miles per hour. How many miles apart were the trains at the end of 3 hours?

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Accepted Answer

The train headed for Wichita traveled 55 miles per hour 3 hours = 165 total miles. The train headed for Des Moines traveled 70 miles per hour 3 hours = 210 total miles. Adding the distances together gives you the number of miles apart the two trains were after three hours: 210 + 165 = 375. Another option: You can add the two rates of speed (55 + 70) and multiply the sum by 3 hours (125 3 hours = 375).

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