Problema Solution
Two planes leave an airport at the same time, flying in opposite directions. One plane is flying at twice the speed of the other. If after 4 hours they are 1800 miles apart, find the rate of speed of each plane.
Answer provided by our tutors
let
v1 =the speed of the first plane
v2 = the speed of the second plane
t = 4 h
d = 1800
one plane is flying at twice the speed of the other
v1 = 2*v2
since speed = distance/time => distance = speed*time
v1*t + v2*t = d
4(v1 + v2) = 1800
by solving the system of equations
v1 = 2*v2
4(v1 + v2) = 1800
we find
v1 = 300 mph
v2 = 150 mph
click here to see the step by step solution of the system of equations
the rates of the planes are 300 mph and 150 mph.