First here's a picture: http://i48.tinypic.com/1illx2.jpg

Q: A plane takes off from an airport on the bearing S29°W. It continues for 20 minutes then changes to bearing S52°W and flies for 2 hours 20 minutes on this course then lands at a second airport. If the plane' s speed is 420 mph, how far from the first airport is the second airport?

I was able to determine the plane first flew 140 miles then after changing direction it went another 980 miles. I am rusty at converting units, so I am not sure these values are correct.
Here's how I visualized it: http://i45.tinypic.com/3485z5d.jpg

Question

First here's a picture: http://i48.tinypic.com/1illx2.jpg

Q: A plane takes off from an airport on the bearing S29°W. It continues for 20 minutes then changes to bearing S52°W and flies for 2 hours 20 minutes on this course then lands at a second airport. If the plane' s speed is 420 mph, how far from the first airport is the second airport?

I was able to determine the plane first flew 140 miles then after changing direction it went another 980 miles. I am rusty at converting units, so I am not sure these values are correct.
Here's how I visualized it: http://i45.tinypic.com/3485z5d.jpg

anonymous · Answer

Here's my problem. The 52 degrees is relative to the new coordinate plane. Inside the triangle I drew what would the actual angle be? Please help, I desperately need it. Thanks

zepdrix · Answer

No he changes TO S52W, he doesn't start heading 52 degrees west of his current direction.
He changed from 29 degrees west of SOUTH
to 52 degrees west of SOUTH

So I think that angle is just 52 degree :D I think at least...
I think yer maybe overthinking it ^^ i think.. lol

anonymous · Answer

No. The turn is a 52 degree turn, however to find the distance from take off to the final destination requires a triangle (trigonometry). The angle in my second picture is clearly much more than 52 degrees. It is very obtuse. Please someone help!