Problema Solution

A boat's crew rowed 20 miles downstream, with the current, in 2 hours. The return trip upstream, against the current, covered the same distance, but took 5 hours. Find the crew's rowing rate in still water and the rate of the current.

Answer provided by our tutors

boat rate in still water = x

current rate = y

...

Rate

upstream = x-y

downstream = x+y

..

time downstream = time upstream

...

t=d/r

20/(x+y)=2

multiply by (x+y)

20=2(x+y)

/2

10=x+y

x+y=10.................1

..

20/(x-y)=5

20=5(x-y)

/5

4=x-y

x-y =4..................2

...

add 1 & 2

2x=14

/2

  x=7mph boat rate in still water.

  y=3mph rate of current