When Were Two Trains Closest Together?

[Delber]

Homework Statement

A train leaves the station at 10:00 and travels due south at a speed of 60 km/h. Another train has been heading due west at 45 km/h and reaches the same station at 11:00. At what time were the two trains closest together?

Homework Equations

c^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}

The Attempt at a Solution

The trouble I am having is the wording of the question. I think it means the trains left from two different stations and will arrive at the same time together at one station. So the equation for that scenario is:

f(t) = \sqrt{(60-60t)^{2}+(45t)^{2}}

However I get a range outside the limit of one hour. I think I'm just confused about he wording if someone can clarify it for me. Any help is appreciated.

 

[tiny-tim]

Homework Statement

A train leaves the station at 10:00 and travels due south at a speed of 60 km/h. Another train has been heading due west at 45 km/h and reaches the same station at 11:00. At what time were the two trains closest together?

Hi Delber!

It means train 2 arrives at the same station one hour after train 1 left.

 

[Delber]

Thanks for the clarification.

So the new equation should be:

f(t)=\sqrt{(45-45t)^{2}+(60t)^{2}}?

Edit: Yep, I get the correct answer in the book. Thanks for the help.