SOLUTION: a plane flying with the wind flew 460 miles in 2 hours. flying against the same wind, the same plane flew 340 miles in 2 hours. find the speed of the wind.

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: a plane flying with the wind flew 460 miles in 2 hours. flying against the same wind, the same plane flew 340 miles in 2 hours. find the speed of the wind.      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 353518: a plane flying with the wind flew 460 miles in 2 hours. flying against the same wind, the same plane flew 340 miles in 2 hours. find the speed of the wind.
Answer by robertb(5830) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let P = speed of the plane, and W = speed of the wind.
Using the formula d+=+r%2At, or distance = speed x time, we get
2%2A%28P+%2B+W%29+=+460, and 2%2A%28P+-+W%29+=+340.
These are the same as P%2B+W+=+230 and P+-+W+=+170.
Adding corresponding sides, we get 2P+=+400, or P+=+200.
Thus the speed of the wind is W+=+230+-+200+=+30 miles per hour.