Question

A pilot flew a 400-mile flight in 2.5 hours flying into the wind. Flying the same rate and with the same wind speed, the return trip took only 2 hours, with a tailwind.

What was the speed of the wind?

Answer 1

40 miles per hour

Explanation:

Given that:

Distance = 400 miles

Without tailwind :

Time taken = 2.5 hours

Speed = distance / time

Speed = 400 miles / 2. 5

Speed = 160 miles per hour

With tail wind :

Time taken = 2 hours

Net speed = 160 + x

X. = speed of tail wind

Distance = speed * time

400 = (160 + x) * 2

400 = 320 + 2x

400 - 320 = 2x

80 = 2x

x = 40

Speed of tailwind = 40 miles per hour.