SOLUTION: Joe traveled against the wind in a small plane for 3 hours. The return trip with the wind took 2.8 hours. Find the speed of the wind if the speed of the plane in still air is 180mp

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Joe traveled against the wind in a small plane for 3 hours. The return trip with the wind took 2.8 hours. Find the speed of the wind if the speed of the plane in still air is 180mp      Log On


   

Question 96497: Joe traveled against the wind in a small plane for 3 hours. The return trip with the wind took 2.8 hours. Find the speed of the wind if the speed of the plane in still air is 180mph.
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
d=distance t=time s=speed w=wind speed
d=ts
going: d=3(180-w)=540-3w
returning: d=2.8(180+w)=504+2.8w
since the distances are equal: 540-3w=504+2.8w
add 3w and subtract 504 from each side. 5.8w=36
w=6.2 mph approx.
Ed