A plane flies directly between two cities, A and B, which are separated by 2300 mi. From A to B, the plane flies into a 65 mi/h headwind. On the return trip from B to A, the wind velocity is unchanged. The trip from B to A takes 65 min less than the trip from A to B. What is the airspeed of the plane, assuming it is the same in both directions?
A) 530 mi/h
B) 400 mi/h
C) 480 mi/h
D) 610 mi/h

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The airspeed of the plane is the same in both directions, so we can use the formula:airspeed = (distance / time) + (wind velocity)For the trip from A to B, the time is:time = distance / (airspeed - wind velocity)= 2300 / (airspeed - 65)For the trip from B to A, the time is:time = distance / (airspeed + wind velocity)= 2300 / (airspeed + 65)The trip from B to A takes 65 min less than the trip from A to B, so:2300 / (airspeed + 65) = 2300 / (airspeed - 65) - 65/60Solving for airspeed, we get:airspeed = 530 mi/h

A Plane Flies Directly Between Two Cities, a and B