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A small plane flying from Los Angeles to San Diego averaged 175 mph with a tailwind. On the return trip with headwind the average speed was
Question
A small plane flying from Los Angeles to San Diego averaged 175 mph with a tailwind. On the return trip with headwind the average speed was only 125 mph. Write and solve a system to reflect this relationship. Find the speed of the headwind/ tailwind AND the speed of the plane on a calm day.
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Mathematics
4 years
2021-08-02T05:39:19+00:00
2021-08-02T05:39:19+00:00 1 Answers
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Answers ( )
Answer: System of equations:
p + w = 175
p – w = 125
p is the plane’s speed, w is the wind speed
The wind speed is 25 mph. The plane’s speed on a calm day is 150 mph.
Step-by-step explanation:
Solve by elimination: Add the equations. w “cancels” solve for p:
p + w = 175
p – w = 125
2p = 300 divide both sides by 2
p = 150 the plane’s speed
Substitute 150 for p and solve for w
150 + w = 175 Subtract 150 from both sides.
w = 25 the wind speed