Problema Solution

A camper rowed 24 km downstream and then returned the same distance upstream in twice the time of the downstream trip. If the camper can row 6 km/h in still water, find the rate of the current.

Answer provided by our tutors

Let the rate of the current be x km/h.

Camper rowed downstream with the resultant speed = 6 + x km/h and took time

= 24/(6 + x)

He rowed upstream with the resultant speed = 6 - x km/h and took time

= 24/(6 - x)

Now 24/(6 - x) = 2 * 24/(6 + x)

=> 6 + x = 2 *(6 - x)

=> 6 + x = 12 - 2x

=> 3x = 6

=> x = 2 km/h (speed of current)