SOLUTION: A small model plane travels 5 miles with the wind in the same amount of time as it takes to go 2 miles against the wind. The plane can travel 3 miles per hour in still air. Find th

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Question 111856This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: A small model plane travels 5 miles with the wind in the same amount of time as it takes to go 2 miles against the wind. The plane can travel 3 miles per hour in still air. Find the speed of the wind. This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Found 2 solutions by checkley71, scott8148:
Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
5/(3+W)=2/(3-W) NOW CROSS MULTIPLY.
5(3-W)=2(3+W)
15-5W=6+2W
-5W-2W=6-15
-7W=-9
W=-9/-7
W=1.29 MPH IS THE SPEED OF THE WIND.
PROOF
5/(3+1.29)=2/(3-1.29)
5/4.29=2/1.71
1.17=1.17

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x=wind ___ time=distance/rate ___ the times are equal

5/(3+x)=2/(3-x) ___ 5(3-x)=2(3+x) ___ 15-5x=6+2x