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put this solution on YOUR website!Let v be speed of current
Upstream the speed of the boat is 8-v
Since boat travels 7 miles upstream it does it in time 7/(8-v)
Downstream the speed of the boat is 8+v
It travels 9 miles in time 9/(8+v)
These times are equal
7/(8-v) = 9/(8+v)
Solving for v gives v=1 miles per hour