Find the speed of the airplane in still air.

Question

An airplane flew for 5 hours against a 20ph headwind. The return trip with the wind took 4 hours. Find the speed of the Plane in still air and explain how you arrived at your conclusion.

Answer 1

Let v = the speed in still air.

Balance by the distance,

(v-20)5 = (v+20)4

Solve for v,

v = 180 mph <==Answer

Answer 2

Hey Ryan -- in this story, the 40mph difference means an hour ->

Four 40's plus 20 wind = five 40's minus 20 wind = 180mph ... Regards, sir :)