SOLUTION: An airplane flies from Pittsburgh to harrisburg in 1.5 hours and returns in 2 hours. If the wind speed is 16 miles per hour blowing from the west, find the air speed of the plane

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations -> SOLUTION: An airplane flies from Pittsburgh to harrisburg in 1.5 hours and returns in 2 hours. If the wind speed is 16 miles per hour blowing from the west, find the air speed of the plane      Log On


   

Question 474110: An airplane flies from Pittsburgh to harrisburg in 1.5 hours and returns in 2 hours. If the wind speed is 16 miles per hour blowing from the west, find the air speed of the plane
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi,

An airplane flies from Pittsburgh to harrisburg in 1.5 hours and returns in 2 hours.

Pittburgh basically due west from harrisburg(with the wind going)

Let (s +16) and (s-16) represent the rate to and from respectively

Question states***   Note: d = r*t

 (s + 16mph)*1.5 = (s-16mph)*2

   1.5s + 1.5*16 = 2s - 2*16

           3.5*16 = .5s

               56 = .5s

                 s = 56/.5 = 112mph



CHECKING our Answer***

1.5hr * 128mph = 2hr*96mph = 192mi (distance between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg)