document.write( "Question 604305: Hi! I think I got the correct answer to this word problem but am having trouble setting it up properly in a matrix (to get the right \"output\" answer). It is: 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=crew rowing rate in still water and y=rate of the current. I know rxt=d and x+y(t)=d and x-y(t)=d. I got x=6 and y=2. I have tried many different matrix \"inputs\" and just can't seem to get the right answer. I really wanted to figure it out on my own but am stuck. I know to line up the x's, y's, =k (constant). I need also to show the equation used.Thanks for any help!!! \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #381257 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a crew rows with the current, it travels 16 miles in 2 hours.
\n" ); document.write( " Against the current, the crew rows 8 miles in 2 hours.
\n" ); document.write( " Let x=crew rowing rate in still water and y=rate of the current.
\n" ); document.write( "We know
\n" ); document.write( "(x+y) = the effective speed downstream
\n" ); document.write( "and
\n" ); document.write( "(x-y) = effective speed upstream
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "Write a distance equation for each way
\n" ); document.write( "2(x+y) = 16
\n" ); document.write( "and
\n" ); document.write( "2(x-y) = 8
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "You can simplify both equations by dividing thru by 2
\n" ); document.write( "x + y = 8
\n" ); document.write( "x - y = 4
\n" ); document.write( "-----------adding eliminates y, find x
\n" ); document.write( "2x = 12
\n" ); document.write( "x = 6 mph in still water
\n" ); document.write( "then
\n" ); document.write( "6 + y = 8
\n" ); document.write( "y = 8 - 6
\n" ); document.write( "y = 2 is the rate of the current \n" ); document.write( "
\n" );