Problema Solution
A rowing team rowed an average of 15.6 miles per hour with the current and 8.8 miles per hour against the current. Determine the teams rowing speed in still water and the speed of the current.
Answer provided by our tutors
Assuming the team rows at the same rate, and the current speed doesn't change:
The difference in speed is 6.8 mph. When they're rowing upstream the current is pushing against them, when rowing downstream the current is pushing them along, so it's reasonable to assume that the current is 1/2 the difference in speed or 3.4mph.
So therefore in still water they should go at 15.6 - 3.4 = 12.2mph. (Also 6.8 + 3.4 = 12.2)
Rowing speed in still water = 12.2mph
Speed of current = 3.4mph