An airplane flew 3.5 hours with a 40 mph head wind. The return trip with a tail wind of the same speed took 2.5 hours. Find the speed of the plane in still air.

just need help setting it up

Question

An airplane flew 3.5 hours with a 40 mph head wind. The return trip with a tail wind of the same speed took 2.5 hours. Find the speed of the plane in still air. 


just need help setting it up

anonymous · Answer

When in doubt, draw a picture! Draw the outward journey above the return journey and label all of the forces acting on the plane, then use that to set up your equations.

anonymous · Answer

S = D/t
D = S*t

= 40 * 3.5  = 140 m

anonymous · Answer

Return Trip

S = 140/2.5 = 56mph

anonymous · Answer

@biancataylor515  Did u understand..till here

anonymous · Answer

this wasn't on the answer sheet though

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

Hint:

Equation for trip there:   d = (r+40)*3.5

Equation for trip back:   d = (r-40)*2.5

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

where d is the distance traveled and r is the speed of the plane in still air

anonymous · Answer

thank you :)

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

np