7
QuizMultiple Choice

Applying Vectors in the Plane

Question 7 • Precalculus

A plane flies at 350 mph in the direction 40° north of east, with a wind blowing at 40 mph in the direction 30° south of east. What is the plane’s drift angle?

Answer
A
5.90°
B
6.38°
C
45.89°
D
46.38°

Explanation

Resolve each velocity into east and north components. The plane’s components are about 268.1 mph east and 225.0 mph north; the wind adds 34.6 mph east and −20.0 mph north. The combined velocity points at arctan(205.0 ÷ 302.7) ≈ 34.1° north of east, so it differs from the plane’s 40° heading by about 5.90°. The drift angle is 5.90°, choice A.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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