Matt and Anna often fly between two cities that are 1680 miles apart. On one particular trip, they flew into the wind, and the trip took 4 hours. The return trip, with the wind behind them, only took about 3 hours. Find the speed of the wind and the speed of the plane in still air.

Speed = Distance / Time
So, when the wind is against the plane:
Speed = 1680/4 = 420 mph
When the wind is with the plane:
Speed = 1680/3 = 560 mph
So:
Plane + Wind = 560 Plane - Wind = 420
P + W = 560 -(P - W = 420)

2W = 140 **W = 70 **
If W = 70, P = 560 - W = 560 - 70 = 490 **
So the wind speed is 70 mph , and the plane speed in still air is 490 mph
**

Answered by ollieboyne | 2024-06-10

The speed of the wind is 70 mph, while the speed of the plane in still air is 490 mph. This is calculated using the distance and time taken for flights with and against the wind. By setting up and solving equations, we find both speeds clearly.
;

Answered by ollieboyne | 2025-03-30