Law of Cosines

[greatwhiteshark]

A plane proceeds on a course of 310 degrees for 2 hours at 150 mph. It then changes direction to 200 degrees continuing for 3 more hours at 160 mph. At this time, how far is the ship from its starting point?

 

[tkhunny]

A plane proceeds on a course of 310 degrees for 2 hours at 150 mph. It then changes direction to 200 degrees continuing for 3 more hours at 160 mph. At this time, how far is the ship from its starting point?

Distance = Rate * Time

First Leg: 2*150 = 300 miles
Second Leg: 3*160 = 480 miles
Angle between two legs: 310-200 = 90 <== Oh, look! It's even a Right Triangle.

You should be able to handle that.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

Yes..

Yes, I can handle it from here.