About Motion Word Problems:

When solving a word problem, the most important step is to understand the main objective. This gives the student a laser focus. We can then filter through all of the information, leading to an equation that can be solved. We then provide an answer and check to make sure it is reasonable.


Test Objectives
  • Demonstrate the ability to read a word problem and understand the main objective
  • Understand how to set up an equation based on the information given in a word problem
  • Demonstrate the ability to check the solution to a word problem
Motion Word Problems Practice Test:

#1:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) A freight ship left the port of New Orleans seven hours before a cruise ship. The ships traveled in opposite directions. The cruise ship traveled at 27 mph for three hours. After this time the ships were 381 miles apart. What was the freight ship's speed in miles per hour?


#2:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) A cargo train left Los Angeles and traveled toward Las Vegas at an average speed of 12 mph. A passenger train left three hours later and traveled in the same direction but with an average speed of 30 miles per hour. Find the number of hours the cargo train traveled before the passenger train caught up.


#3:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) A cruise ship left Puerto Rico and traveled toward Europe at an average speed of 10 mph. A U.S. Navy submarine left four hours later and traveled in the opposite direction with an average speed of 25 miles per hour. Find the number of hours the submarine needs to travel before the two ships are 145 miles apart.


#4:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) Ted left home and drove toward his fishing cabin. Two hours later, Adam left driving 18 mph faster in an effort to catch up to Ted. After three hours, Adam finally caught up with Ted. Find Ted's average speed.


#5:

Instructions: solve each word problem.

a) An Air Force plane left Paris and flew west. A cargo plane left two hours later flying at 385 miles per hour in an effort to catch up to the Air Force plane. After flying for nine hours the cargo plane finally caught up. Find the Air Force plane's average speed.


Written Solutions:

#1:

Solutions:

a) 30 miles per hour


#2:

Solutions:

a) 5 hours


#3:

Solutions:

a) 3 hours


#4:

Solutions:

a) 27 miles per hour


#5:

Solutions:

a) 315 miles per hour