SOLUTION: Brittany and Hanna can paddle 12 mi upstream in the same time it takes to paddle 28 mi downstream. Determine their paddling rate in still water if the stream flows at 2 mi/hr.

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Question 1167761: Brittany and Hanna can paddle 12 mi upstream in the same time it takes to paddle 28 mi downstream. Determine their paddling rate in still water if the stream flows at 2 mi/hr.
Answer by ikleyn(52897) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

The "time" equation is


    12%2F%28u+-+2%29 = 28%2F%28u+%2B2%29,


where " u " is the paddling rate in still water.


From the equation


    12*(u + 2) = 28*(u-2)

    12u + 24   = 28u - 56

    24 + 56 = 28u - 12u

    80      = 16u

    u       = 80/16 = 5.


ANSWER.  Their paddling rate in still water is 5 miles per hour.

Solved.