Question

George the Pigeon travels the same distance of 72 miles

in 4 hours against the wind as he does traveling 3 hours
with the wind in the local skies. What is the speed of
George the Pigeon in still air and the speed of the wind?

Answer 1

The speed of George the Pigeon in still air = 21 miles/hr

The speed of air = 3 miles/hr

Explanation:

Let the speed of George the Pigeon in still air =
`u` miles/hr

Let the speed of air =
`v` miles/hr

Distance traveled = 72 miles

Relative speed against the wind =
`(u-v)` miles/hr

Time taken against the wind = 4 hours

Relative speed with the wind =
`(u+v)` miles/hr

Time taken against the wind = 3 hours

Using the formula:

`Speed = (Distance)/(Time)`

`u-v=(72)/(4)\\\Rightarrow u-v=18 ..... (1)`

`u+v=(72)/(3)\\\Rightarrow u+v=24 ..... (2)`

Adding (1) and (2):

`2u=42\\\Rightarrow u = 21\ miles/hr`

By equation (1):

`v = 21-18\\\Rightarrow v = 3\ miles/hr`

Therefore, the answer is:

The speed of George the Pigeon in still air = 21 miles/hr

The speed of air = 3 miles/hr