.
Distance by the 1-st airplane + Distance by the 2-nd airplane = 1179 miles.
+ = 1179 ( = hours = hours)
Multiply both sides by 2:
3r + 3*(r+18) = 1179*2
3r + 3r + 54 = 2358
6r = 2358 - 54 = 2304 ====> r = = 384 miles per hour.
Answer. The slower airplane speed is 384 mph.
The faster is 384 + 18 = 402 mph.
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On introductory lessons on Travel and Distance problems see the lessons
- Travel and Distance problems
- Travel and Distance problems for two bodies moving in opposite directions
- Travel and Distance problems for two bodies moving in the same direction (catching up)
in this site.