Problema Solution

The current in a stream moves at a speed of 7

mph

.

A boat travels 6

mi

upstream and 6

mi

downstream in a total time of 16

hr. What is the speed of the boat in still​ water?

Answer provided by our tutors

Let

c = 7 mph the current

v = the speed of the boat in still water, v>=0

v - c = the speed of the boat upstream

v + c = the speed of the boat downstream

d = 6 mi the distance traveled in each direction

t = 16 hr the total time of the travel

Since speed = distance/time follows time = distance/speed:

d/(v - c) + d/(v + c) = t

6/(v - 7) + 6/(v + 7) = 16

........

click here to see the equation solved for v

........

v = 7.39 mph approximately

The speed of the boat in still​ water is 7.39 mph.