document.write( "Question 433043: A canoeist can paddle a canoe 6 kilometers per hour in still water. If the canoeist can paddle 1 kilomter upstream in the same amount of time that they can paddle 1.5 kilometers downstream, how fast is the current? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #300151 by htmentor(1343)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! The speed in still water = 6 kph \n" ); document.write( "Let c = the speed of the current \n" ); document.write( "The speed of the canoeist upstream = 6 - c \n" ); document.write( "The speed of the canoeist downstream = 6 + c \n" ); document.write( "The time to paddle 1 km upstream = the time to paddle 1.5 km downstream \n" ); document.write( "Since time = distance/speed, we can write the following: \n" ); document.write( "1/(6-c) = 1.5/(6+c) \n" ); document.write( "Solve for c: \n" ); document.write( "6 + c = 9 - 1.5c -> 2.5c = 3 -> c = 1.2 kph \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |