document.write( "Question 955883: Michael rows downstream on a river. He then returns to the starting point. He traveled a total distance of 16 miles, in 6.25 hours. Michael's average rowing speed in still water is 4 miles/hour. Assume the speed of the river current is constant. What is the speed of the river current? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #583970 by lwsshak3(11628)![]() ![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! Michael rows downstream on a river. He then returns to the starting point. He traveled a total distance of 16 miles, in 6.25 hours. Michael's average rowing speed in still water is 4 miles/hour. Assume the speed of the river current is constant. What is the speed of the river current? \n" ); document.write( "*** \n" ); document.write( "let c=speed of river current \n" ); document.write( "4+c=speed of rowboat downstream \n" ); document.write( "4-c=speed of rowboat upstream \n" ); document.write( "travel time = distance /speed \n" ); document.write( "one-way distance=8 mi \n" ); document.write( ".. \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "lcd:(4+c)(4-c) \n" ); document.write( "8(4-c)+8(4+c)=6.25(4+c)(4-c) \n" ); document.write( "8(4+c)+8(4-c)=6.25(16-c^2) \n" ); document.write( "32+8c+32-8c=100-6.25c^2 \n" ); document.write( "6.25c^2=100-64 \n" ); document.write( "6.25c^2=36 \n" ); document.write( "c^2=±√(36/6.25) \n" ); document.write( "c=±6/2.5=2.4 \n" ); document.write( "speed of river current=2.4 mph \n" ); document.write( " |