SOLUTION: i sailed west to hawaii againts the wind at a speed of 12 knots/hour. when i returned, i sailed the same route with the wind at a speed of 18 knots/hour. what was my average speed

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: i sailed west to hawaii againts the wind at a speed of 12 knots/hour. when i returned, i sailed the same route with the wind at a speed of 18 knots/hour. what was my average speed       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 382546: i sailed west to hawaii againts the wind at a speed of 12 knots/hour. when i returned, i sailed the same route with the wind at a speed of 18 knots/hour. what was my average speed for the entire trip?
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the distance isn't given because it has no bearing on the answer

that means we can choose a convenient "working" distance , like 36 nautical miles

time to H ___ 36/12 = 3

return time ___ 36/18 = 2

total time is 5 hr and total distance is 72 nautical miles

average speed is 72/5 or 14.4 knots/hr