SOLUTION: Traveling downstream, a boat can go 12 miles in 2 hours. Going upstream it takes only 2/3 the distance in twice the time. What is the rate of the boat in still water, and what is t

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Travel -> SOLUTION: Traveling downstream, a boat can go 12 miles in 2 hours. Going upstream it takes only 2/3 the distance in twice the time. What is the rate of the boat in still water, and what is t      Log On

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Question 383218: Traveling downstream, a boat can go 12 miles in 2 hours. Going upstream it takes only 2/3 the distance in twice the time. What is the rate of the boat in still water, and what is the rate of the current?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let c = rate of current in mi/hr
Let r = rate of boat in still water
r+%2B+c = rate going downstream
r+-+c = rate going upstream
given:
r+%2B+c+=+12%2F2
(1) r+%2B+c+=+6 mi/hr
r+-+c+=+%282%2F3%29%2A12+%2F4
(2) r+-+c+=+2 mi/hr
add (1) and (2)
2r+=+8
r+=+4
and since
r+-+c+=+2
4+-+c+=+2
c+=+2
The rate of the boat in still water is 4 mi/hr
The rate of the current is 2 mi/hr