Question

A private plane is traveling due east at a rate of 160 mph. A south wind is blowing 30 mph. What is the actual velocity of the plane?
A. ≈ 157 mph
B. ≈ 190 mph
C. ≈ 130 mph
D. ≈ 163 mph

Answer 1

The resultant velocity of the plane is the sum of the two velocity vectors which are perpendicular to each other. See the attached figure.

The magnitude of the resultant velocity is

$\sqrt{160^2+30^2}= \sqrt{26500}=162.79 \;mph$.

The approximate value of the actual velocity of the plane is $163 \;mph$. Correct choice is (D).