Question

A plane can fly 290 miles downwind in the same amount of time as it can travel 220 miles upwind. Find the velocity of the wind if the plane can fly 255 mph in still air.

Answer 1

The speed of the wind is
`35\ mph`

Explanation:

Let

x-----> the speed of the wind in mph

we know that

Downwind

`(255+x)=(290)/(t)`

`t=(290)/((255+x))` -----> equation A

Upwind

`(255-x)=(220)/(t)`

`t=(220)/((255-x))` ----> equation B

equate the equation A and the equation B

`(290)/((255+x))=(220)/((255-x))\\ \\290(255-x)=220(255+x)\\ \\ 73,950-290x= 56,100x+220x\\ \\220x+290x=73,950-56,100\\ \\510x=17,850\\ \\x= 35\ mph`