Drew S.

asked • 08/14/16

One plane going a distance at two different speeds, how long of each speed?

A 555-mile, 5-hour plane trip was flown at two speeds. For the first part of the trip, the average speed was 105mph. Then the tailwind picked up, and the remainder of the trip was flown at an average speed of 115. For how long did the plan fly at each speed?

3 Answers By Expert Tutors

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Chunli M. answered • 08/14/16

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Mark M.

As I read the problem, the requested information is "how long," i.e., what time was spent flying, not distance. 
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08/14/16

Chunli M.

When I answer the question, I assume the time the plane takes at each speed with x and y, and then get the value of x and y, that is, we obtain how long the plane takes at each speed.
 
Then I give the distance the plane traveled at each speed, I answered the question much more.
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08/15/16

Mark M.

No matter how elegant - or elaborate -  the algebraic solution, it is worthless unless it answers the verbal question. This must be the case is physics as well. It is a condition that is always taught in secondary Algebra classes.
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08/15/16

Chunli M.

you don't think I answered the time it takes at each speed?
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08/15/16

Mark M.

The last two lines state distance and speed. Nothing is mentioned as to time.
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08/15/16

Chunli M.

that two sentence I answered too more, did you see the value of x and y?
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08/15/16

Mark M.

Yes, I had to reread you solution to locate it and use it to answer the question.
The question of the problem is: For how long did the plan (six) fly at each speed. Appropriately, the answer would be:
At 105mph the plan flew for two hours, then at 115mph the plane flew three hours.
These questions probably come from students in a secondary class in which a word problem can be "discounted" if the appropriate answer is not given. Consider that. 
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08/15/16

Neal D. answered • 08/14/16

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