A train goes from New Orleans to Boston at 40 mph. On the way back it returns with a speed of 80 mph. If it takes it an hour less time to return, what is its average speed?

Since it says less then I'm assuming you have to do 80-40 which is 40.

Let's say the distance is "x".

time = distance / rate

time1 = x / 40

time2 = x/80

A) time1 shoud be twice time2 or (time1 / time2) = 2

B) time1 - 1 = time2

Substituting equation B) into A)

((time1 / (time1 - 1) = 2

time1 = 2 * time1 - 2

time1 = 2 hours time2 = 1 hour

Distance = 80 miles

1st trip time1 = 80/40 = 2 hours

return trip time2 = 80/80 = 1 hour

total trip = 160 miles in 3 hours

average speed = 53.333333 miles per hour