SOLUTION: It takes Dan 2 hours to paddle his canoe 16 miles downstream, and 8 hours to return to the campsite. Find the speed of the canoe in still water.

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Question 786386: It takes Dan 2 hours to paddle his canoe 16 miles downstream, and 8 hours to return to the campsite. Find the speed of the canoe in still water.
Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It takes Dan 2 hours to paddle his canoe 16 miles downstream, and 8 hours to return to the campsite. Find the speed of the canoe in still water.
canoe rate =x
current rate = y
downstream rate = x+y.................2 hours..................16 miles
upstream rate = x-y...............8 hours...................16
t=d/r
16/(x+y)=2
simplify
x+y=8
16/(x-y)=8
x-y=2
add the two equations
2x=10
x=5 mph canoe speed