SOLUTION: A plane flies 285 km due west and then 320 km due north. what are its distance and bearing from the starting point? thanks

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: A plane flies 285 km due west and then 320 km due north. what are its distance and bearing from the starting point? thanks      Log On


   

Question 43283: A plane flies 285 km due west and then 320 km due north. what are its distance and bearing from the starting point?
thanks
Answer by fractalier(6550) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The distance is found via the Pythagorean Theorem...
c^2 = a^2 + b^2
c^2 = 285^2 + 320^2
so that
c = 428.5
The angle is arc tan(320/285) = 48.3° so that bearing is 180 - 48.3 =
131.7°