document.write( "Question 392239: It took 3 hours to row a boat 18 km against the current. The return trip with the current took 1 1/2 (1.5) hours. Find the speed of the rowboat in still water.\r
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document.write( "I already tried:
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document.write( "d = 3(r-18) d = 1.5(r+18)
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document.write( "d = 3r - 54 d = 1.5r + 27
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document.write( "3r - 54 = 1.5r + 27
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document.write( "3r = 1.5 = 81
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document.write( "1.5r = 81
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document.write( "r = 54 km/hr\r
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document.write( "d = 3(54-18)
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document.write( "d = 3(36)
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document.write( "d = 108 km\r
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document.write( "d = 3*54-54
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document.write( "d = 108 km\r
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document.write( "But the speed of the rowboat in still water can't be 54 km/hr, can it? \n" );
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Algebra.Com's Answer #278414 by Alan3354(69443)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! 18/3 = 6 km/hr \n" ); document.write( "18/1.5 = 12 km/hr \n" ); document.write( "The boat's speed is the average = (6 + 12)/2 = 9 km/hr \n" ); document.write( "The current speed is the difference = 3 km/hr \n" ); document.write( "------------------------------- \n" ); document.write( "I already tried: \n" ); document.write( "d = 3(r-18) d = 1.5(r+18) \n" ); document.write( "d = 3r - 54 d = 1.5r + 27 \n" ); document.write( "------ \n" ); document.write( "If you include units, you'll see that your approach is not right. \n" ); document.write( "d = 3(r-18) d = 1.5(r+18) \n" ); document.write( "r-18 --> km/hr - km The units don't match, so something's wrong. Using the units can help to avoid mistakes. \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |