SOLUTION: A boy can row a boat at a constant rate of 5 mi/hr in still water, as indicated in the figure. He rows upstream for 15 minutes and then rows downstream, returning to his starting p

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Question 262649: A boy can row a boat at a constant rate of 5 mi/hr in still water, as indicated in the figure. He rows upstream for 15 minutes and then rows downstream, returning to his starting point in another 10 minutes.
(a) Find the rate of the current. mi/hr
(b) Find the total distance traveled. mi

Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
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A boy can row a boat at a constant rate of 5 mi/hr in still water, as indicated in the figure. He rows upstream for 15 minutes and then rows downstream, returning to his starting point in another 10 minutes.
(a) Find the rate of the current. mi/hr
(b) Find the total distance traveled. mi


Let the distance be x

The speed upstream will be 5-x mph
Distance traveled =1/4 *(5-x)

The downstream speed will be 5+x mph
Distance traveled = 1/6*(5+x)
1/4* (5-x)= 1/6(5+x) ( distance traveled is the same)
30-6x=20+4x
10x=10
X = 1 mph
D= speed * time
Upstream = 4 *1/4 hr = 1 mile
The distance traveled = 1+1 = 2 miles.
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