document.write( "Question 300674: How do I set up this linear equation?
\n" ); document.write( "When a crew rows with the current, it travels 16 miles in 2 hours. Against the current, the crew rows 8 miles in 2 hours. Let x be the crew's rowing rate in still water and let y be the rate of the current. Find the rate of rowing in still water and the rate of the current.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I am struggling with how to set this up. If you can help me with how you set up this equation- pls explain how you did it.
\n" ); document.write( "Thanks!
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Algebra.Com's Answer #215691 by richwmiller(17219)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I think using x and y is counter-intuitive.
\n" ); document.write( "r for crew rowing and c for current
\n" ); document.write( "d for distance
\n" ); document.write( "t for time
\n" ); document.write( "rate*time=distance
\n" ); document.write( "(r+c)*t=d
\n" ); document.write( "(r+c)*2=16
\n" ); document.write( "(r-c)*2=8
\n" ); document.write( "2r+2c=16
\n" ); document.write( "2r-2c=8
\n" ); document.write( "add
\n" ); document.write( "4r=24
\n" ); document.write( "r=6
\n" ); document.write( "crew rowing=6
\n" ); document.write( "(6+c)*2=16
\n" ); document.write( "6+c=8
\n" ); document.write( "c=2
\n" ); document.write( "current=2
\n" ); document.write( "check
\n" ); document.write( "(6-2)*2=8
\n" ); document.write( "4*2=8
\n" ); document.write( "8=8
\n" ); document.write( "ok
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