SOLUTION: A pilot can travel 540 miles with the wind in the same amount of time as 340 miles against the wind. Find the speed of the wind if the​ pilot's speed in still air is 220 miles pe

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Question 1148068: A pilot can travel 540 miles with the wind in the same amount of time as 340 miles against the wind. Find the speed of the wind if the​ pilot's speed in still air is 220 miles per hour.
Answer by ikleyn(52810) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Let x be the speed of the wind, in miles per hour.


Then the speed of the airplane with the wind is  (220+x) miles per hour;

                               against the wind  (220-x) miles per hour.


The time equation is


    540%2F%28220%2Bx%29 = 340%2F%28220%2Bx%29.


To solve it, cross-multiply


    540*(220-x) = 340*(220+x).


Simplify and solve


    540*220 - 540x = 340*220 + 340x


    540*220 - 340*220 = 340x + 540x

    
    x = %28540%2A220+-+340%2A220%29%2F%28340%2B540%29 = 50.


ANSWER.  The wind speed is 50 miles per hour.

Solved.