An airplane flew 3 hours with a 40 mph head wind. The return trip with a tail wind of the same speed took 2 hours. Find the speed of the plane in still air.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Use s = vt  (s is same in both cases so equate for v)

ash2326 · Answer

Let's the speed of plane be x and wind speed is given as 40 mph
Against wind it's given that plane too 3 hours for the trip
Return trip with the wind too 2 hours. Both the cases distance covered is the same
We know
$$distance={speed} \times {time}$$
Speed against the wind of the plane is x-40
Speed with the wind is x+40

ash2326 · Answer

So 
$$ (x-40) \times 3 = (x+40) \times 2$$
Do you understand this? Can you solve now?

anonymous · Answer

so i plug in the speed i think it is for x.. and its supposed to equal eachother?

ash2326 · Answer

Both the sides is distance, which is equal for both the trips

anonymous · Answer

so its 200! ((200)−40)×3=((200)+40)×2
480=480???? is that right?

ash2326 · Answer

Yeah:D It's right. Speed of plane is 200mph

anonymous · Answer

thank you! :D im posting another question do you think you can help me?