SOLUTION: A whale swimming against an ocean current traveled 72 mi in 3 h. Swimming in the opposite direction, with the current, the whale was able to travel the same distance in 1.8 h. Fi

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: A whale swimming against an ocean current traveled 72 mi in 3 h. Swimming in the opposite direction, with the current, the whale was able to travel the same distance in 1.8 h. Fi      Log On


   

Question 230570: A whale swimming against an ocean current traveled 72 mi in 3 h. Swimming in the opposite direction, with the current, the whale was able to travel the same distance in 1.8 h.
Find the speed of the whale in calm water and the rate of the ocean current.
Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
D=RT
R=D/T
R=72/3
R=24 MPH. AGAINST THE CURRENT.
R=72/1.8
R=40 MPH. WITH THE CURRENT.
(40-24)/2=16/2=8 MPH. IS THE CURRENT.
PROOF:
40-8=32 MPH. IS THE SWIMMING SPEED OF THE WHALE IN CALM WATERS.
24+8=32 MPH. DITTO