Question

A plane flying with a tail wind flew at a speed of 460 mph, relative to the ground. When flying against the tailwind, it flew at a speed of 310 mph. Find the speed of the tailwind.

Answer 1

(460-310)/2=75

so the answer is 75

Answer 2

Thanks a bunch but can you explain it to me with the formula

Answer 3

(460-310)/2

need to subtract 460-310 first then you divided by 2 then you will get 75

Answer 4

Can I show you what I did to work it and maybe you can tell me where I went wrong? In class we have to use a formula like d = r(t)...x = flying with the tailwind, y = flying against the tailwind...or something like that...I am confused. I get 460 = x = y and under that I get 310 = x - y...but when I solve it all I get - 75 so I knew something was wrong...I just want to know what formula you used to plug in the 460 - 310/2....are you using formula r = d/t????

Answer 5

Can anyone assist? I just need someone to explain why the equation to solve this word problem is r = d/t and why is 460 - 310 and why is it divided by 2? How is 2 substitute the t for time? I know we are trying to find out the rate...the tailwind but I need to grasp who and why it is solved this way or I won't be able to answer another problem similar to it.

Answer 6

sorry how not who...

Answer 7

I appreciate anyone who can explain this to me more...thank you in advance

Answer 8

V tail = V + V wind
V head = V - V wind
-> V tail - V head = 2 V wind
=> V wind = 2 V wind/2

Answer 9

Just think in common sense!

Answer 10

Thank you Chlorophyll! That was helpful and exactly what I needed to understand the problem and how to solve it.

Answer 11

My honor :)

Answer 12

Understand that the velocity of plane different due to velocity of the wind!

Answer 13

Yes I totally understand now since you broke it down like that. I could not even wrap my head around what the problem meant let alone how to solve it. Now I will know how to handle another word problem like it in the future.

Answer 14

I wish the other askers would pursue their concern like you :)

Answer 15

:) I do not like a quick answer. I like when someone takes the time to make sure I understand what I am solving. Math problems cannot be memorized...Math is the only subject I know that you either get it or you don't get it. I did not get it before but now I do! Again, I appreciate you taking the time to help me out tonight. I cannot move on with my school work when something is puzzling me. Take care!

Answer 16

Hey, I'm the one pursue with the answer, it ends up that the askers running away, as usual :P