Distance between two places when a truck and a car meet

A truck and a car leave two places A and B at the same time and drive towards each other. They meet after 5 hours. Their speeds are 65 km/h and 95 km/h. How far apart are A and B?

Step-by-step

1. 65 × 5 + 95 × 5 = 325 + 475
   Find the distance the truck covers, then the distance the car covers
2. 325 + 475 = 800
   Add the two distances to get the total distance between the two places

Why it works

In 5 hours they cover 65×5 and 95×5 km, which adds up to 325 + 475 = 800 km.

Common mistakes

• Subtracting the speeds instead of adding them, because the two vehicles approach each other.
• Multiplying only one speed by 5 and calling that the distance.
• Adding 65 and 95 and giving 160 as the distance, forgetting the time.