Question

"an airplane travels 120 miles in 2 hours with the wind". the return trip against the wind takes 3 hours. what is the wind speed and the speed of the airplane in still air?

Answer 1

Answer;

Speed of the airplane in still air = 50 mph

Speed of the wind = 10 mph

Solution;

Against wind:

Distance = 120 miles ; time = 2 hrs. ; rate = 120/3 = 40 mph

With wind :

Distance = 120 miles ; time = 2 hrs ; rate = 120/2 = 60 mph

Equations:

p + w = 60 (with wind)

p - w = 40 (against the wind)

2p = 100

p = 50 mph (speed of the plane in still air)

Since p+w = 60, then; w = 60-50 = 10 mph (speed of the wind)