A plane travels from Orlando to Denver and back again. On the five-hour trip from Orlando to Denver, the plane has a tailwind of 40 miles per hour. On the return trip from Denver to Orlando, the plane faces a headwind of 40 miles per hour. This trip takes six hours. What is the speed of the airplane in still air?

Question

A plane travels from Orlando to Denver and back again. On the five-hour trip from Orlando to Denver, the plane has a tailwind of 40 miles per hour.  On the return trip from Denver to Orlando, the plane faces a headwind of 40 miles per hour. This trip takes six hours. What is the speed of the airplane in still air?

anonymous · Answer

I just dont understand how to solve.

anonymous · Answer

let x = speed of plane in still air
(x+40) = speed of plane downwind
(x-40) =speed of plane against the wind
distance = speed *travel time

anonymous · Answer

downwind distance = headwind distance
5(x+40) = 6(x-40)
5x+200=6x-240
6x-5x=240+200
x=440 mph
ans: The speed of the plane in still air is 440 mph