Question

Have you ever been on an airplane and heard the pilot say that the plane would be a little late because it would be flying into a strong headwind or that even though the plane was taking off a bit late, you would be making up time because you would be flying with a tailwind? This problem asks you to analyze such a situation. You have the following data: A plane flying at its maximum speed can go 210 miles per hour with a tailwind or 170 miles per hour into a headwind.

What is the wind speed?

What would be the maximum speed of the plane if there were no wind?

Answer 1

Assuming both winds are the same velocity.

210 -170 = 40, therefore wind is
20mph

Therefore plane's unhindred speed would be 210-20 or 170+2 = 190mph