document.write( "Question 61549: how would i make a system of linear equations for the following problem when i want to use either the elimination or substitution method?
\n" ); document.write( "On a canoe trip, Rita paddled upstream (against the current) at an average speed of 2 mi/h relative to the river bank. on the return trip downstream (with the current), her average speed was 3 mi/h. find rita's paddling speed in still water and the speed of the river's current. \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #42516 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)\"\" \"About 
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On a canoe trip, Rita paddled upstream (against the current) at an average speed of 2 mi/h relative to the river bank. on the return trip downstream (with the current), her average speed was 3 mi/h. find rita's paddling speed in still water and the speed of the river's current.
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\n" ); document.write( "Let x = paddling speed in still water; y = speed of the current;
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\n" ); document.write( "Make two equations, finding the average speed as given:
\n" ); document.write( " (x - y)/2 = 2
\n" ); document.write( " (x + y)/2 = 3\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Get rid of the denominators mult both equations by 2, use the elimination method
\n" ); document.write( "x - y = 4
\n" ); document.write( "x + y = 6
\n" ); document.write( "---------- add
\n" ); document.write( "2x + 0 = 10
\n" ); document.write( "x = 10/2
\n" ); document.write( "x = 5 mph
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\n" ); document.write( "Find y: 5 - y = 4; y = 1 mph
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\n" ); document.write( "Check: (5+1)/2 = 3 mph and (5-1)/2 = 2\r
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