Problema Solution

A distance of 24 mi in 2hr. Returning, he finds that the trip downstream, still at top speed takes only 1.5 hr. Find the rate of Bills boat and the speed of the current.

Answer provided by our tutors

Let

D = 24 mi the distance

t1 = 2 hr time upstream

t2 = 1.5 hr thime downstream

V = the speed of the boat

C = the speed of the current

Since distance/time = avg speed we can write:

V - C = D/t1

V + C = D/t2

Plug in the values:

V - C = 24/2

V + C = 24/1.5

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V = 14 mph

C = 2 mph

Boat's rate is 14 mph.

Current's rate is 2 mph.