A pilot flew a 400-mile flight in 2.5 hours flying into the wind. Flying the same rate and with the same wind speed, the return trip took only 2 hours, with a tailwind.

What was the speed of the wind?

Question

A pilot flew a 400-mile flight in 2.5 hours flying into the wind. Flying the same rate and with the same wind speed, the return trip took only 2 hours, with a tailwind.

What was the speed of the wind?

anonymous · Answer

let the speed of plane=x m/hr
speed of wind =y m/hr
then (x-y)*(2.5)=400
x-y=400*(2/5)=160   ...(1)
(x+y)*2=400
x+y=400/2=200   ...(2)
subtract (1) from (2)
and find y