Problema Solution

An ultralight plane had been flying for 40 min when a change of wind direction doubled its ground speed. The entire trip of 160 mi took 2 h. How far did the plane travel during the first 40 min?

Answer provided by our tutors

Set up some equations, then substitute and solve.

Distance = rate x time, so

160 mi = 2/3 x + 1 2/3 y

(since 40 min = 2/3 h)

Also, we know that speed y = 2x... so now substitute and solve!

160 = 2/3(x) + 1 2/3(2x)

160 = 2/3 x + 10/3 x

160 = 12/3 x = 4 x

x = 40 mi/h

Since y = 2x,

y = 80 mi/h