An airplane has just enough fuel for a 6 hour flight. How far can it fly roundtrip,in which during the first leg of the trip, it flies with t

Question

An airplane has just enough fuel for a 6 hour flight. How far can it fly roundtrip,in which during the first leg of the trip, it flies with the wind at 225 miles per hour , and during the return trip, it flies against the wind at 190 miles per hour. What is the equation and solution?

Answer 1

Assuming that the speeds given are ground speeds:

 

D = rt = (225)(t1) = (190)(t2)   The distance is the same both ways!

 

225(t1) = 190(t2)

 

t1 + t2 = 6     Total flight time is 6 hours

t2 = 6 - t1

 

Substitute (6 - t1) for t2

225(t1) = 190(6-t1)

225(t1) = 1140 - 190(t1)

415(t1) = 1190

t1 ≈ 2.75 hours = 2:45  (hr:min)

 

D ≈ (2.75)(225)      First leg of trip

D ≈ 618 miles