Real-Life Math -- Solution
You're caddying for a pro golfer on the PGA tour. He's lining up for an approach shot and asks for your opinion on what club he should use. This is what you suggest:
Question A:
The ball lands 297 yards from the tee, and the total distance from the tee to the green is 470 yards.
470 - 297 = 173 yards
The player still needs to hit 173 yards to the hole.
Question B:
However, there is a tailwind that will increase the distance of the shot by 10 percent.
For the 4 iron, that means:
195 x 0.1 = 19.5 yards farther
195 + 19.5 = 214.5 yards
You figure that with the wind, the ball will go 214.5 yards, which is too far.
For the 5 iron, that means:
175 x 0.1 = 17.5 yards farther
175 + 17.5 = 192.5 yards
You figure that with the wind, the ball will go 192.5 yards, which is too far.
For the 6 iron that means:
155 x 0.1 = 15.5 yards farther
155 + 15.5 = 170.5 yards
You figure that with the wind, the ball will go 170.5 yards, which is about correct.
You recommend that the player shoot with his 6 iron from this distance.