GMAT Exam: A Simple Guide To Solving Word Problems - Distance-Rate-Time

The distance formula is d = rt, where d is the distance a vehicle travels at a uniform rate of speed, r, for a given length of time, t.

Make a table to organize the vehicle information and maybe sketch a rough diagram, if needed, to help you understand the question.


Example: At 8 p.m., a car and a van leave the same location. The car travels due east at 70 miles per hour. The van travels due west at 60 miles per hour. At what clock time will the two vehicles be 325 miles apart?
Let t = the time in hours the two vehicles will be 325 miles apart.

Then 8 p.m. plus t = the clock time the two vehicles will be 325 miles apart.

Make a chart to organize the information in the question.

Sketch a diagram.

Using the diagram, write an equation that represents the facts.
60t + 70t = 325 miles

Solve the equation, omitting the units for convenience.

The clock time the two vehicles will be 325 miles apart is 8 p.m. plus 2.5 hours = 10:30 p.m.