SOLUTION: If Jim's boat goes 30 mph upstream and 50 mph downsteam. What is the speed of the current and the boat in still water? I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO SET THIS UP!! thanks!

Question 514789: If Jim's boat goes 30 mph upstream and 50 mph downsteam. What is the speed of the current and the boat in still water? I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO SET THIS UP!! thanks!
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If Jim's boat goes 30 mph upstream and 50 mph downsteam.
What is the speed of the current and the boat in still water?
:
Let s = speed of the boat in still water
Let c = speed of the current
:
s + c = 50; downstream
s - c = 30; upstream
-------------------------adding eliminates c find s
2s = 80
s = 80/2
s = 40 mph in still water
:
Find the current using the 1st equation
40 + c = 50
c = 50 - 40
c = 10 mph is current
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