SOLUTION: an air plane takes 3 hours to travel 2160 miles with the wind.the return trip took 4 hours against the speed of the wind. find the speed of the wind and the speed of the plane in s

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: an air plane takes 3 hours to travel 2160 miles with the wind.the return trip took 4 hours against the speed of the wind. find the speed of the wind and the speed of the plane in s      Log On


   

Question 399842: an air plane takes 3 hours to travel 2160 miles with the wind.the return trip took 4 hours against the speed of the wind. find the speed of the wind and the speed of the plane in still air.
and could you explain how you made the equations please?
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
r = d / t

p + w = 2160 / 3

p - w = 2160 / 4

find the rates in the two equations (calculate the right hand side), then add the two equations together to eliminate the w's