Optimizing Flight Path: Accounting for Wind Speed and Direction

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A pilot flying north at 48.5 km/hr needs to adjust for a light eastward wind of 0.85 km/hr. To counteract the wind, he should head his plane at an angle of approximately 1 degree west of north. This adjustment can be calculated using trigonometric functions, specifically the tangent function, to form a right triangle with the wind and flight speeds. The consensus among participants confirms that the angle is indeed 1 degree. This solution effectively accounts for the wind's influence on the flight path.
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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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