Problema Solution

Flying against the jetstream, a jet travels 2940 miles in 3 hours. Flying with the jetstream, the same jet travels 8400 miles in 6 hours. What is the rate of the jet in still air and what is the rate of the jetstream?

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p = the jet's rate in still air

w = the rate of the jetstream

d1 = 1940 miles flying against the jetstream

t1 = 3 hour flying against the jetstream

d2 = 8400 miles flying with the jetstream

t2 = 5 hours flying with the jetstream


the rate of the jet flying against the jetstream is: p - w

the rate of the jet flying with the jetstream is: p + w


since rate = distance/time => distance = rate*time


the jet flying against the jetstream


d1 = (p - w)t1


(p - w)3 = 2940 divide both sides by 3


p - w = 980


the jet flying with the jetstream


d2 = (p + w)t2


(p + w)6 = 8400 divide both sides by 6


p + w = 1800


by solving the system of equations


p - w = 980

p + w = 1800


we find


p = 1390 mph


w = 410 mph


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the rate of the jet in still air is 1390 mph.

the rate of the jetstream is 410 mph.