SOLUTION: A sailboat travels 12 miles downstream in only 2 hours. The return trip upstream takes 3 hours. Find the rate of speed of the current.

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Question 390686: A sailboat travels 12 miles downstream in only 2 hours. The return trip upstream takes 3 hours. Find the rate of speed of the current.
Answer by checkley79(3341) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
D=RT
R=D/T
R=12/2=6 MPH DOWNSTREAM.
R=12/3=4 MPH UPSTREAM.
The rate here = the speed of the sailboat + or - the current.
6=R+C
4=R-C
---------
10=2R
2R=10
R=10/2
R=5 MPH FOR THE SAILBOAT
THUS THE CURRENT IS:
6=5+C
C=6-5=1 MPH.
4=5-C
-C=4-5
-C=-1
C=1 MPH.