At an airport during a storm, Natalie counted 5 flights being delayed and 3 on time. If the storm continues, it is expected for this pattern to continue. How many on-time flights will occur for the next 40 planes? A 15 on-time flights B 25 on-time flights C 8 on-time flights

To determine the number of on-time flights for the next 40 planes, we can use the ratio Natalie observed. With 5 delayed flights and 3 on-time flights, that gives us a total of 8 flights. The ratio of on-time flights to total flights is \( \frac{3}{8} \). For 40 planes, we multiply: \( 40 \times \frac{3}{8} = 15 \). So, the answer is A: 15 on-time flights! To really understand the impact of such delays, it might be interesting to know that weather events can affect flight schedules greatly. Airports often have complex algorithms to manage and reschedule flights, aiming to minimize passenger frustration and safety risks during storms. It’s a collective effort by airlines, air traffic control, and ground staff to keep things running smoothly despite disruptions.