Let the air speed of the plane be x mph
let the wind speed by y mph
so for LA to C plane: x - y = 495
C to LA plane: x + y = 550
add them 2x = 1045
x = 522.5
then y = 27.5
speed of plane in still air = 522.5 mph
speed of wind = 27.5 mph
Btw, for most of the time, winds come from the west and blow east ,
so the plane going from LA to C should be the faster.
(remember those prevailing westerlies from geography class ?)
A traveler flies from Charlotte, North Caroline to Los Angeles, California. At the same time, another traveler flies from Lost Angeles to Charlotte. The air speed of each plane is the same. The ground speed of the first plane is 550 mi/hr and the ground speed of the second plane is 495 mi/hr. What is the air speed? What is the wind speed?
(idk what the hell is going on with this question)
1 answer
1 answer