SOLUTION: A plane makes a 240-mile trip against a head wind in 1 hour and 30 minutes and returns, with a tail wind of the same speed, in 1 hour. What is the speed of the wind?

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Question 426571: A plane makes a 240-mile trip against a head wind in 1 hour and 30 minutes and returns, with a tail wind of the same speed, in 1 hour. What is the speed of the wind?
Found 2 solutions by ewatrrr, htmentor:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

Let x and w represent the plane and wind speed respectively

Question states***

 x + w = 240mph    |r = 240mi/1hr

 x - w = 160mph    |r = 240mi/1.5hr

  2x = 400

   x = 200mph, the speed of the plane. tail Wind is 40mph  (240mph-200mph)

Answer by htmentor(1343) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the speed of the plane with no wind = s
Let the speed of the wind = v
The speed against the wind = s - v = 240 mi/1.5 h = 160 mi/h (1)
The speed with the wind = s + v = 240/1 h = 240 mi/h (2)
Subtract (1) from (2):
2v = 80 -> v = 40 mi/h.
Ans: The speed of the wind is 40 mi/h