A plane flies from new york to chicago (a distance of 1,600 miles) at 400 mph. Returning from Chicago to New York it flies into a headwind and averages only 320 mph. How many hours total was the plane in the air for the entire trip?

(1600/400) + (1600/320) = ?

4583

To find the total time the plane was in the air for the entire trip, we need to calculate the individual times for the outbound and return flights, and then add them together.

First, let's find the time for the outbound flight from New York to Chicago. We can use the formula: time = distance / speed.

Time for outbound flight: 1,600 miles / 400 mph = 4 hours.

Next, let's find the time for the return flight from Chicago to New York. Remember that the plane now has a headwind, which reduces its speed to 320 mph.

Time for return flight: 1,600 miles / 320 mph = 5 hours.

Now we can find the total time by adding the outbound and return flight times:

Total time = 4 hours + 5 hours = 9 hours.

Therefore, the plane was in the air for a total of 9 hours for the entire trip.