Question

Choose the correct answer. Speed of Plane A = 450 mph. Speed of Plane B = 350 mph. Both planes leave from Kansas City at the same time. Plane A flies due West. Plane B flies due South. After 2.5 hours, how far is Plane A from Plane B?

Answer 1

Keep in mind I've never actually attempted this kind of problem.

Calculate how far both planes are after 2.5 hours

450 × 2.5 = 1125

350 × 2.5 = 875

The legs of the triangle will be 1,125 miles & 875 miles.

1125² + 875² = 2,031,250

$\sqrt{2031250} = 1,425.21$

Plane A is 1,425 miles from Plane B.