speed of the wind

Question

Against the wind a small plane flew 280 miles in 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The return trip took only 50 minutes.

What was the speed of the? wind? What was the speed of the plane in still? air?

Answer 1

Jessica, speed = distance/time.

 

The plane's speed going was 280 miles/70 minutes = 4 miles/minute = 260 mph

 

The plane's speed returning was 280 miles/50 minute = 3.6 miles per minute = 216 mph

 

If we call the air speed a and the wind speed w...

 

a + w = 260

a - w = 216

2a = 476

a = 238

 

238 + w = 260

w = 22

 

Hope this helps!