document.write( "Question 175008: Debbie traveled by boat 5 miles upstream to fish in her favorite spot. Because of the 4-mph current, it took her 20 minutes longer to get there than to return. How fast will her boat go in still water? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #130104 by stanbon(75887)![]() ![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! Debbie traveled by boat 5 miles upstream to fish in her favorite spot. Because of the 4-mph current, it took her 20 minutes longer to get there than to return. How fast will her boat go in still water? \n" ); document.write( "------------------------------------------------------ \n" ); document.write( "Upstream DATA: \n" ); document.write( "distance = 5 miles; rate = b-4 mph ; time = d/r = 5/(b-4) hrs \n" ); document.write( "---------------------------------------------------------------------- \n" ); document.write( "Downstream DATA: \n" ); document.write( "distance = 5 miles; rate = b+4 mph ; time = 5/(b+4) hrs. \n" ); document.write( "---------------------------------------------------------------------- \n" ); document.write( "Equation: \n" ); document.write( "uptime - downtime = 1/3 hr \n" ); document.write( "5/(b-4) - 5/(b+4) = 1/3 \n" ); document.write( "5(b+4) - 5(b-4) = (1/3)(b^2-16) \n" ); document.write( "40 = (1/3)(b^2-16) \n" ); document.write( "b^2 - 16 = 120 \n" ); document.write( "b^2 = 136 \n" ); document.write( "--- \n" ); document.write( "Positive solution: \n" ); document.write( "b = 11.66 mph (boat speed in quiet water) \n" ); document.write( "============================== \n" ); document.write( "Cheers, \n" ); document.write( "Stan H. \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |