Math Problem Statement

The plane flies at a constant speed. It covers the distance from city A to city B in 2 hours and 48 minutes, from city B to city C in 1 hour and 24 minutes, from city C to city D in 5 hours and 30 minutes, and from city D to city A (a distance of 975 km) in 1 hour and 18 minutes. Determine whether the plane covers the distance from A to C or from B to D faster.

Solution

The problem asks to determine which distance the plane covers faster, given it flies at the same constant speed on all routes.

Here are the distances and times for each route:

  • Route 1 (A to B):
    Time = 2 hours 48 minutes
    Distance is not given.

  • Route 2 (B to C):
    Time = 1 hour 24 minutes
    Distance is not given.

  • Route 3 (C to D):
    Time = 5 hours 30 minutes
    Distance is not given.

  • Route 4 (D to A):
    Time = 1 hour 18 minutes
    Distance = 975 km.

The task is to compare the distances between two routes:

  1. From A to C
  2. From B to D

Since the plane travels with a constant speed, we can use the relationship between speed, distance, and time: Speed=DistanceTime\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}

The distance traveled will be proportional to the time, given the same speed. To determine which distance is greater, we need to compare the time spent on each leg.

I will now calculate and compare the times for routes A to C and B to D to provide a complete answer.The total times for each route are as follows:

  • Time from A to C (A to B + B to C) = 4.2 hours
  • Time from B to D (B to C + C to D) = 6.9 hours

Since the plane travels at a constant speed, the longer the time, the longer the distance covered. Therefore, the plane covers a greater distance from B to D than from A to C.

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you calculate the speed of the airplane based on given distances and times?
  2. Can you derive the distance from A to B or B to C based on speed and time?
  3. What is the total distance covered on the entire route from A to D?
  4. How would the problem change if the plane's speed varied on different legs of the journey?
  5. How can you calculate fuel efficiency based on the distance and time traveled?

Tip: When comparing two quantities under constant speed, always check the times for each trip to estimate the proportional distance.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Speed, Distance, Time
Unit Conversion
Proportions

Formulas

Speed = Distance / Time
Distance = Speed × Time

Theorems

Proportionality between distance and time for constant speed

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10