document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=147599>Question 147599</A>This question is from textbook <A HREF=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0534433499/algebrahomeworkh></A><BR>\n" );
document.write( ": <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> This word problem needs to be solved using a rational expression, thank in advance for the help.  The current of a river is 2 miles per hour.  A boat travels to a point 8 mile upstream and back again in 3 hours.  What is the speed of the boat in still water? </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #107980 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=scott8148><B>scott8148(6628)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=scott8148><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=scott8148><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=107980\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> let x=speed of boat\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "d=rt __ t=d/r __ total time = time upstream + time downstream\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "3=[8/(x+2)]+[8/(x-2)] __ multiplying by (x+2)(x-2) __ 3x^2-12=16x\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "3x^2-16x-12=0 __ factoring __ (3x+2)(x-6)=0\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "3x+2=0 __ subtracting 2 __ 3x=-2 __ dividing by 3 __ x=-2/3 __ negative value not realistic\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "x-6=0 __ adding 6 __ x=6 </SPAN>\n" );
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