"T o d d P a t t i s t" wrote in message
...
[...]
To put this mathematically:
wheel speed = treadmill speed + airspeed
If we assume:
wheel speed = treadmill speed
then airspeed =0

Well, IMHO the problem with taking the question literally is that, as Jose
says, the literal reading is meaningless.

Taken literally, "wheel speed" means nothing. Or rather, it requires
further interpretation. Are we talking angular velocity? If so, how can
the treadmill moving in a linear fashion have equal speed? The measurements
aren't even in the same units. Are we talking linear speed? If so, what's
so wrong with assuming the treadmill exactly matches the speed?

I do understand the point that "peter" is trying to make, but I find it no
more compelling than simply interpreting the question in a more reasonable
way. Both interpretations require assumption-making, so as long as one is
making assumptions, it makes more sense to make the same assumptions the
average human being would make.

Pete