Rate of wind problem

This lesson shows how to solve a word problem involving the rate of wind and flying in still air using two variables and two linear equations. The teacher walks through the traditional method for solving these types of problems, and then shows an alternative way of thinking about the problem. By the end of the lesson, the learner will know how to find the rate of the jet in still air and the rate of the wind, and how to check their answers.

Shows how to solve a word problem involving the rate of a wind and flying in still air using 2 variables and 2 linear equations.

• If a jet flying with a tailwind traveled 1680 miles in 3 hours, and flying against the wind, it traveled 1960 miles in 4 hours, what is the rate of the jet in still air and the rate of the wind?
• How do can you make a chart to help you solve a rate of wind word problem?
• How do you solve a rate of wind word problem using systems of equations?
• How do you set up a system of equations from a word problem?
• How do you check your answer to a system of equations word problem?
• Is there an easy way to find the rate of a plane and the rate of the wind when a plane travels with the wind and against the wind?
• How do you solve a word problem about a plane traveling with the wind and against the wind?
• How do you solve the system of equations 3(x + w) = 1680 and 4(x - w) = 1960?