text: Easy:  the distance in both directions is exactly the same = 225 miles.  Recall, also, that distance =  speed * time.\n\nAssume the plane's speed is x, wind speed is y, and that both remain constant in both directions:\n\nWith the wind, d = (x + y) * time\nAgainst the wind, d = (x-y) * time\n\nso (x + y) * 2 hours = (x - y) * 3¾ hours\n\n2x + 2y = 225 miles\n\n3¾x - 3¾y = 225 miles\n\nNow, you need to multiply each equation by a factor so that the y's have the same multiplier, thus:\n\n15x + 15y = 1687.5 miles\n15x -  15y = 900 miles\n\nNow, add the two equations together, thus eliminating the Y value:\n\n30x = 2587.5 miles, and thus the plane's speed, x = 86.25 miles/hour\n\nNow, substitute the value for x back into one of the equations to solve for y:\n\n(2 * 86.25 mph) + 2y = 225\n\n172.5 + 2y = 225\n\n2y = 52.5 miles/hour\n\ny = 26.25 miles per hour