Treena P.

asked • 03/17/13

word problem

180 miles. Because he is flying into a head wind, the trip takes him 2 hours. On the way back, the wind is still blowing at the same speed, so the return trip takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes. What is the plane's speed in still air, and how fast is the  wind blowing?

1 Expert Answer

By:

Michael B. answered • 03/17/13

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using d = r*t

s = speed of the plane in "still" air in mph

w = wind speed in mph

you can set up two equations

180 = (s + w)*1.5

180 = (s - w)*2

120 = s + w

90 = s - w

elimination of "w" is already set up so just add them together to get

210 = 2s

105 = s

solving for w using either equation

90 = 105 - w

15 = w

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