SOLUTION: The speed of a stream is 6 mph. If a boat travels 54 miles downstream in the same time that it takes to travel 27 miles upstream, what is the speed of the boat in still water?

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Question 348655: The speed of a stream is 6 mph. If a boat travels 54 miles downstream in the same time that it takes to travel 27 miles upstream, what is the speed of the boat in still water?
Answer by nyc_function(2741) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let b = speed of boat in still water

Downstream:

rate = b + 6

time = b

distance = 54


Upstream:

rate = b - 6

time = b

distance = 27

Your equation is:

54/(b + 6) = 27/(b - 6)

Solve for b to find your answer.