Problema Solution
Ina Crespo rowed 10.5 miles down the Habashabee River in 1.5 hours, but the return trip took her 3.5 hours. Find the rate Ina rows in still water and the rate of the current. Let x represent the rate Ina can row in still water and let y represent the rate of the current.
Answer provided by our tutors
let
d = 10.5 mi the distance she traveled down the Habashabee River
t1 = 1.5 h
t2 = 3.5 h
x represent the rate Ina can row in still water
y represent the rate of the current
since speed = distance/time follows distance = time*speed
going down the river her speed is: x + y
(x+y)*t1 = d
(x+y)1.5 = 10.5
going up the river her speed is: x-y
(x-y)t2 = d
(x-y)3.5 = 10.5
by solving the system of equations
(x+y)1.5 = 10.5
(x-y)3.5 = 10.5
we find
x = 5 mph
y = 2 mph
click here to see the step by step solution of the system of equations
the rate of Ina in still water is 5 mph.
the rate of the current is 2 mph.