An airplane...

Question

An airplane leaves an airport and flies due west 180 miles and then 160 miles in the direction S 79.17°W. How far is the plane from the airport at this time (to the nearest tenth.)

Answer 1

An incorrect directional degree led to a mistake in my solution. Surendra K. has the correct solution.

 

Answer 2

If you draw the diagram

 

AB = 180 m

BC = 160 m

Angle BAC = 169 deg 17 min

 

Applying the formula

C^2 = a^2. + b^2 -2ab cos(169deg 17min)

 

C^2 = 32400+25600-2*180*160*cos(169 deg 17 min)

 

C= 338.5 mt