word problem

Question

A jet flew at an average speed of 480 mph from Point X to Point Y. Because of head winds, the jet averaged only 440 mph on the return trip, and the return trip took 15 minutes longer. How many hours was the flight from Point Y to Point X? How far is it from Point X to Point Y?

Answer 1

Let t = time (in hours) it takes to go from X to Y

 

Then, t + 0.25 = time it takes to go from Y to X

 

Distance = (rate)(time)

 

Distance from X to Y is 480t

 

Distance from Y to X is 440(t + 0.25)

 

So, 480t = 440(t + 0.25)

 

       480t = 440t + 110

           40t = 110

               t = 2.75 hours

 

Time from Y to X is t + 0.25 = 3 hours

 

Distance between X and Y = 440(3) =1320 miles