SOLUTION: Problem Solving Using Systems of Equations Julie and Eric row their boat(at a constant speed) 55 miles downstream for 5 hours, helped by the current. Row at the same rate, the t

Question 6302: Problem Solving Using Systems of Equations
Julie and Eric row their boat(at a constant speed) 55 miles downstream for 5 hours, helped by the current. Row at the same rate, the trip back against the current takes 11 hours. Find the rate of the current.
Answer by xcentaur(357) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let the speed of their rowin be x mph
let the speed of the current be y mph

then speed downstream=(x+y)mph
distance=55 miles
time=5 hours
speed=d/t=55/5=11 mph
therefore,(x+y)=11

speed upstream=(x-y)mph
distance=55 miles
time taken=11 hours
speed=d/t=55/11=5 mph
therefore,(x-y)=5 mph

Now we have a system of equations:
x+y=11
x-y=5

Solved by pluggable solver: Linear System solver (using determinant)

Solve:

Any system of equations:

has solution

(x=8, y=3}

Thus we get,
(x=8, y=3}

Hence speed of current: 3 mph

Prabhat.

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