SOLUTION: Michael rows 8 mph in still water. If he rows 24 miles downstream in the same amount of time he rows 8 miles upstream, find the rate of the current.

Question 133076: Michael rows 8 mph in still water. If he rows 24 miles downstream in the same amount of time he rows 8 miles upstream, find the rate of the current.

Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
rate of the current: r
downstream rate of the boat: 8 + r
upstream rate of the boat: 8 - r

distance = rate times time, or , so .

Downstream trip:
Upstream trip:

Since the times for each trip are equal:

Cross multiply:

Distribute:

Collect like terms:

So the rate of the current is 4.

Check:
8mph + 4mph = 12mph, 24m/12mph = 2 hr
8mph - 4mph = 4mph, 8m/4mph = 2 hr
Answer checks
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