Answer:
The speed of the airplane in still air is 550 mph.
The speed of the wind is 50 mph.
Step-by-step explanation:
speed = distance / time
distance = speed * time
or simply
d = st
Let v be the speed of the airplane with no wind.
Let w = speed of wind
With the wind:
d = 1800; s = v + w; t = 3
1800 = 3(v + w)
Against the wind:
d = 1800; s = v - w; t = 3.6
1800 = 3.6(v - w)
We have a system of two equations:
3(v + w) = 1800
3.6(v - w) = 1800
Divide both sides of the first equation by 3. Divide both sides of the second equation by 3.6.
v + w = 600
v - w = 500
Add the equations.
2v = 1100
v = 550
The speed of the airplane in still air is 550 mph.
v + w = 600
550 + w = 600
w = 50
The speed of the wind is 50 mph.
