Two alien spacecraft on a sightseeing tour of Earth left New Orleans airport at 3:00 pm to travel the 448-mile distance to Dallas by air. Traveling nonstop, the first spacecraft landed in Dallas at 3:30 pm, while the second spacecraft landed in Dallas thirty minutes later. Assuming both spacecraft traveled at constant speed, what was the difference in speed, in miles per hour, between the two spacecraft? Think carefully first, then make a decision:
The first spacecraft flew for 30 minutes, or 30 / 60 = 1 / 2 hour. The second spacecraft flew for 30 + 30 = 60 minutes, or 1 hour. Thus the first spacecraft traveled at a speed of 448 miles in 1 / 2 hour, or 448 / (1 / 2) = 896 miles per hour. The second spacecraft traveled 448 miles in 1 hour, or 448 / 1 = 448 miles per hour. The difference in speed, in miles per hour, between the two spacecraft was 896 - 448 = 448 miles per hour. So, the answer is 448.