SOLUTION: Use a system of linear equations to solve the exercise. Julie and Eric row their boat (at a constant speed) 55 miles downstream for 5 hours, helped by the current. Rowing at the

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Question 227922: Use a system of linear equations to solve the exercise.
Julie and Eric row their boat (at a constant speed) 55 miles downstream for 5 hours, helped by the current. Rowing at the same rate, the trip back against the current takes 11 hours. Find the rate of the current.

Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
55/5=11 MPH IS THE SPEED DOWNSTREAM.
55/11=5 MPH IS THE SPEED UPSTREAM.
(11-5)/2=16/2=8 MPH IS THE BOAT SPEED IN STILL WATER.
PROOF.
8+3=11 MPH. FOR THE CURRENT DOWN STREAM
8-3=5 MPH. DITTO.