Solve the problem.
-A pilot wants to fly on a bearing of 61.1°. By flying due east, he finds that a 50-mph wind, blowing from the south, puts him on course. Find the airspeed of the plane to the nearest mile per hour.
A) 136 mph
B) 45 mph
C) 91 mph
D) 103 mph

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the airspeed of the plane, we use vector addition. The wind vector is 50 mph north, and the resultant vector is at a 61.1° bearing. The plane's airspeed vector must be such that when added to the wind vector, it results in the desired bearing. Using trigonometry, the eastward component of the plane's airspeed must counteract the northward wind component to achieve the 61.1° bearing. Solving for the airspeed using the cosine of the angle gives approximately 91 mph.

Solve the Problem. -A Pilot Wants to Fly on a Bearing of 61.1°