SOLUTION: Jon is kayaking in the Russian River which flows downstream at a rate of 1 mile per hour. He paddles 5 miles downstream and then turns around and paddles 6 miles upstream. The trip

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: Jon is kayaking in the Russian River which flows downstream at a rate of 1 mile per hour. He paddles 5 miles downstream and then turns around and paddles 6 miles upstream. The trip      Log On

Let x = Jon's speed in still water.


Then the time equation, from the condition, is


 +  = 3   hours.


Solve it for x.


To start, multiply all the terms by (x-1)*(x+1).