Let v be the speed of the boat in still water, in miles per hour. Then the effective rate traveling downstream is (v+5) mph; the effective rate traveling upstream is (v-5) mph. The "time" equation is= , according to the condition. To solve it, cancel the factor 44 in both side, first. You will get = . Cross multiply and simplify 2*(v-5) = v+5 2v - 10 = v + 5 v = 15. ANSWER. The boat rate in still water is 15 miles per hour.