SOLUTION: A helicopter flew 180 miles 1.5 hours with a tail wind. The return trip took 2 hours with a head wind. What was the speed of the helicopter in still air? What was the speed of the

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons  -> Linear Equations Lesson -> SOLUTION: A helicopter flew 180 miles 1.5 hours with a tail wind. The return trip took 2 hours with a head wind. What was the speed of the helicopter in still air? What was the speed of the       Log On


   

Question 364555: A helicopter flew 180 miles 1.5 hours with a tail wind. The return trip took 2 hours with a head wind. What was the speed of the helicopter in still air? What was the speed of the wind?
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, ewatrrr:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
180/1.5 = 120 mph
180/2 = 90 mph
The airspeed is the average (120+90)/2 = 105 mph
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The windspeed is the difference = 15 mph

Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi, 

*Note: distance= rate * time Or rate = distance/time

rate with the wind = 180/1.5 = 120mph

rate against the wind = 180/2 = 90mph



s + w = 120mph

s - w = 90mph

2s = 210mph

s = 105mph, the speed of the helicopter

wind = 15mph