SOLUTION: An air rescue plane averages 300 miles per hour in still air. It carries enough fuel for 5 hours of flying time. If, upon takeoff, it encounters a head wind of 30 mi/hr, how far

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Question 1208988:
An air rescue plane averages 300 miles per hour in still air. It carries enough fuel for 5 hours of flying time. If, upon takeoff, it encounters a head wind of 30 mi/hr, how far can it fly and return safely? (Assume that the wind remains constant.)

Answer by ikleyn(52781) About Me  (Show Source):
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An air rescue plane averages 300 miles per hour in still air.
It carries enough fuel for 5 hours of flying time.
If, upon takeoff, it encounters a head wind of 30 mi/hr, how far can it fly
and return safely? (Assume that the wind remains constant.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let d be the maximum one way distance, in miles.


The rate of the plane (relative the ground) against the wind is 300-30 = 270 mils per hour.

The time to fly the distance of d miles is  d%2F270 hours.



The rate of the plane (relative the ground) with the wind is 300+30 = 330 mils per hour.

The time to fly the distance of d miles is  d%2F330 hours.


The total time flying is  d%2F270 + d%2F330.


The time equation is

    d%2F270 + d%2F330 = 5  hours.


To solve, multiply all the terms by  270*330.  You will get

    330d + 270d = 5*270*330

    600d = 445500

       d = 445500/600 = 742.5.


ANSWER.  The maximum one-way distance to fly is  742.5 miles.

Solved.