The speed of an airplane is 300 mi/h relative to the air. The wind is blowing due north with a speed of 30 mi/h. In what direction should the airplane head in order to arrive at a point due west of it's location?

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Answer 1 · 2018-07-27T14:34:21

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The angle $θ$ $\theta$ of direction of airplane from the due west towards south is given by using property of vector right triangle as follows

$sin θ = \frac{30}{300}$ $\sin\theta=30/300$

$θ = {sin}^{- 1} (\frac{1}{10})$ $\theta=\sin^{-1}(1/10)$

$= {5.739}^{\circ}$ $=5.739^\circ$

Hence the plane must fly at angle of ${5.739}^{\circ}$ $5.739^\circ$ from due west towards south to reach the desired point in due west.