The time it takes to fly from Dallas to Boston varies inversely with the speed of the plane. If the trip takes 4.75 hours at 427 mi/h, how long would it take at 775 mi/h? Round the final answer to the nearest hundredth.

8.62 hours

1.50 hours

19.35 hours

2.62 hours

1 answer

To find the time it takes to fly from Dallas to Boston at different speeds, we can use the concept of inverse variation. The relationship can be expressed with the formula:

\[ T = \frac{k}{S} \]

where \( T \) is the time, \( S \) is the speed, and \( k \) is a constant.

First, we need to find \( k \) using the data provided for the first flight:

  • Time \( T = 4.75 \) hours
  • Speed \( S = 427 \) mi/h

Substituting the known values into the equation, we get:

\[ 4.75 = \frac{k}{427} \]

To solve for \( k \), multiply both sides by 427:

\[ k = 4.75 \times 427 \]

Calculating this gives:

\[ k = 2022.25 \]

Now we can find the time it would take at the new speed of 775 mi/h:

\[ T = \frac{k}{S} = \frac{2022.25}{775} \]

Now calculate this:

\[ T = \frac{2022.25}{775} \approx 2.60516 \]

Rounding to the nearest hundredth, we get:

\[ T \approx 2.61 \text{ hours} \]

Among the provided options, the closest one is 2.62 hours.