SOLUTION: A motorboat can maintain a constant speed of 34 miles per hour relative to the water. The boat makes a trip upstream to a certain point in 39 minutes; the return trip takes 29 minu
Algebra ->
Customizable Word Problem Solvers
-> Travel
-> SOLUTION: A motorboat can maintain a constant speed of 34 miles per hour relative to the water. The boat makes a trip upstream to a certain point in 39 minutes; the return trip takes 29 minu
Log On
Question 211029: A motorboat can maintain a constant speed of 34 miles per hour relative to the water. The boat makes a trip upstream to a certain point in 39 minutes; the return trip takes 29 minutes. What is the speed of the current in miles per hour? Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! A motorboat can maintain a constant speed of 34 miles per hour relative to the water. The boat makes a trip upstream to a certain point in 39 minutes; the return trip takes 29 minutes. What is the speed of the current in miles per hour?
------------------------
Distance upstream = (34-c)(39/60) miles
--------------------------
Distance downstream = (34+c)(29/60) miles
-----------------------------------------------
Equation:
distance = rate*time
distance up = distance down
(34-c)(39/60) = (34+c)(29/60)
Multiply both sides by 60 to get:
39(34-c) = 29(34+c)
39*34 - 39c = 29*34 + 29c
68c = 340
c = 5 mph (speed of the current)
======================================
Cheers,
Stan H.
(