Question

a plane averaged 400 mph on a trip going east, but only 280 mph on the return trip. The total flying time in both directions was 8.5 hours. what was the one-way distance?

Answer 1

1400 miles

Explanation:

Speed is the time rate of change of distance. It is the ratio of distance to time and is given by the equation:

`Speed(S) = (distance(d))/(time(t))\\ S=(d)/(t)`

plane averaged 400 mph on a trip going east, but only 280 mph on the return trip.

The time spent (t₁) in going east is given by:

`S=(d)/(t_1)\\ t_1=(d)/(S) =(d)/(400mph)`

The time spent (t₂) in going east is given by:

`S=(d)/(t_2)\\ t_2=(d)/(S) =(d)/(280mph)`

The total time (t) = t₁ + t₂

t = t₁ + t₂ = 8.5 hours

`(d)/(400)+(d)/(280) =8.5\\280d+400d=952000\\680d=952000\\d=1400miles\\`

Therefore the one way distance is 1400 miles