Optimizing Flight Path: Accounting for Wind Speed and Direction

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    Flying Plane
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a pilot attempting to determine the correct heading for his plane while accounting for a light wind from the east. The subject area pertains to vector addition and trigonometry in the context of navigation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using trigonometric functions to find the angle needed to compensate for the wind. There are attempts to visualize the problem through drawing right triangles and applying tangent functions. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their calculations and reasoning, with a consensus emerging around the angle of 1 degree. However, there is still some questioning of whether this result is reasonable, indicating ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to consider the wind's effect on the plane's heading, and there is a reference to checking with a teacher for confirmation of the angle calculated.

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A pilot flying his plane...

Homework Statement


A pilot is flying his plane 48.5 km/hr northward. He has forgotten to factor in a light wind from the east, going 0.85 km/hr. At what angle should he head his plane to factor in the wind?


Homework Equations


I don't know :(


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I tried using some trig functions, and I got 1 degree, but I don't think that's right, and am now totally lost. Please help!
 
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I tried some trig too and got 1 degree west of north also... do you have any model answers at all?
 


i think it must be 1 degree. Just try to draw the situation, you should get right triangle and then use tan(angle)=v(wind)/v(plane). But in order to neglect the wind pilot must head his plane at north east
 


Thanks so much guys! I checked with my teacher and it was indeed 1 degree. I just didn't think that would make any sense, so I asked you guys. Thank you!
 

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