SOLUTION: With a tailwind, a bird flew at a ground speed of 3 mph. Flying the same path against the wind, the bird travels at a ground speed of 1.5 mph. What is the bird's air speed? What

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: With a tailwind, a bird flew at a ground speed of 3 mph. Flying the same path against the wind, the bird travels at a ground speed of 1.5 mph. What is the bird's air speed? What      Log On


   

Question 1175222: With a tailwind, a bird flew at a ground speed of 3 mph. Flying the same path against the wind, the bird travels at a ground speed of 1.5 mph. What is the bird's air speed? What is the wind speed?
Found 2 solutions by ewatrrr, ikleyn:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi
 s + w = 3mph
 s - w = 1.5mph
  2s = 4.5mph
   s = 2.25mph, the bird's air speed. 
The  wind speed = .75mph w+=+3mph+-+2.25mph
Wish You the Best in your Studies.


Answer by ikleyn(52788) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

From the Internet 

    Generally birds follow the facetious advice often given to pilots -- "fly low and slow." 

    Most cruise speeds are in the 20-to-30-mph range, with an eider duck 

    having the fastest accurately clocked air speed of about 47 mph.


On this subject, see also Wikipedia article

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_by_flight_speed