A plane travels on a heading of 60 degrees for a distance of 300km. How far north and how far east does the plane travel?

Question

A plane travels on a heading of 60 degrees for a distance of 300km. How far north and how far east does the plane travel?

Answer 1

Draw a picture.

the basic 30-60-90 triangle ratio is:

Side opposite the 30° angle: x

Side opposite the 60° angle: x * √3

Side opposite the 90° angle: 2x

 

If 2x = 300, then x = 150.  That would be north

x * √3 = 150(√3) = 259.807 = 260.  That's east.