What is the speed of the wind? Solve algebraically

Question

An airplane makes a 1200km flight with a tailwind, and returns flying into the same wind. The total flying time is 4 hours 50 minutes, and the airplane's speed in still air is 500km/h. What is the speed of the wind? solve algebraically.

Answer 1

X is the speed of the wind

 

With the wind:

 1200 = (500 +x)* t

 

1200 = (500 - x)*(K-t) where K = 4 and 5/6 = 29/6

 

Two equations and two unknowns: x and t.

 

  Solving this system, you will find

 

  x = sqrt (  250000 - 1200000/K) which is just over 41 km/hr

Answer 2

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