A private plane traveled from Seattle to a rugged wilderness at an average speed of 144 mph. On the return trip the average speed was 180 mph. If the total traveling time was 5 hours how far is seattle from the wilderness?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Because the distance from Seattle to the wilderness is constant we know that both trips travelled the same distance. Furthermore, we know that it took 5 hour round trip. lets assume that it took x time for the plane to travel one way, then it to (x-5) time to travel the other way.

anonymous · Answer

That is, 180(x)=144(x-5) or the average one way times it's time equals the average the other way times its time (this works becuase they are the same distance and distance=rate*time). Now solve for x.

anonymous · Answer

After you find x, you need to substitute it into either equation to find the distance.