Finding the Speed of an Aeroplane - Math Help Forum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a math problem related to finding the speed of an aeroplane, specifically focusing on the formulation of equations based on given conditions. Participants are seeking help with their homework and exploring the relationships between speed, time, and distance.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about how to set up the equations needed to solve for the speed of the aeroplane.
  • One participant proposes that if the speed is x km/h, then the time taken for a distance of 1000 km is 1000/x hours.
  • Another participant suggests that if the speed is x-120 km/h, the time taken is 1000/(x-120) hours, which should equal the time taken at speed x plus 0.5 hours.
  • There is a correction regarding the formulation of the equation, with one participant stating that the expression for time at speed x should not be equated to 2000 + x, but rather to (2000 + x)/(2x).
  • One participant attempts to solve the equation using the quadratic formula but questions the validity of their solution, noting it does not match the answer provided in the book.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formulation of the equations or the solution to the problem. There are multiple competing views on how to approach the problem, and some participants express uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and potential misinterpretations of the relationships between speed, time, and distance. The discussion reflects various assumptions about the problem setup.

wrightarya
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question is attached.
the answer at the back of the book is 553.6 kmph

this is for my maths homework and I am stuck on this question.:(
 

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wrightarya said:
question is attached.
the answer at the back of the book is 553.6 kmph

this is for my maths homework and I am stuck on this question.:(

What have you tried so far?
 
If the speed is x km/h then the time taken is 1000/x hours.

If the speed is x-120 then the time taken is 1000/x hours and this is equal to the other time plus 0.5 hours.

i don't know how to form an equation =/
 
wrightarya said:
If the speed is x km/h then the time taken is 1000/x hours.

If the speed is x-120 then the time taken is 1000/x hours and this is equal to the other time plus 0.5 hours.

i don't know how to form an equation =/

Actually if the speed is (x - 120) then the speed is 1000/(x - 120).

Now as you have stated, this is equal to the other time plus half an hour, so

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1000}{x - 120} &= \frac{1000}{x} + \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$

Can you now solve for x?
 
Prove It said:
Actually if the speed is (x - 120) then the speed is 1000/(x - 120).

Now as you have stated, this is equal to the other time plus half an hour, so

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1000}{x - 120} &= \frac{1000}{x} + \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$

Can you now solve for x?

i tried solving it like this:

1000/x-120 = 2000 + x
1000= (2000+x) (x-120)
1000= x^2 + 1880x - 240000
= x^2 + 1880x - 241000
substituted into quadratic formula
x=120 or -2000

dont know if i did that right, but its not what the answer says in the back of the book...
 
wrightarya said:
i tried solving it like this:

1000/x-120 = 2000 + x

No, $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1000}{x} + \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$ is not $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2000 + x \end{align*}$, it's $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{2000 + x}{2x} \end{align*}$, so when you cross multiply you should get

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1000}{x - 120} &= \frac{1000}{x} + \frac{1}{2} \\ \frac{1000}{x - 120} &= \frac{2000 + x}{2x} \\ 1000 \left( 2x \right) &= \left( 2000 + x \right) \left( x - 120 \right) \end{align*}$

Go from here...
 
wrightarya said:
If the speed is x km/h then the time taken is 1000/x hours.

If the speed is x-120 then the time taken is 1000/x hours and this is equal to the other time plus 0.5 hours.

i don't know how to form an equation =/
Finding speed of an aeroplane - The Student Room

You almost quoted me correctly. ;)
 

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