SOLUTION: Jon is kayaking in the Russian River which flows downstream at a rate of 1 mile per hour. He paddles 5 miles downstream and then turns around and paddles 6 miles upstream. The trip

Question 1127536: Jon is kayaking in the Russian River which flows downstream at a rate of 1 mile per hour. He paddles 5 miles downstream and then turns around and paddles 6 miles upstream. The trip takes 3 hours. How fast can Jon paddle in still water?
Answer by ikleyn(52781) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

Let x = Jon's speed in still water.


Then the time equation, from the condition, is


 +  = 3   hours.


Solve it for x.


To start, multiply all the terms by (x-1)*(x+1).

Answer. x, or Jon' speed in still water, is 4 km/h.

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