SOLUTION: A canoeist can paddle a canoe 6 kilometers per hour in still water. If the canoeist can paddle 1 kilomter upstream in the same amount of time that they can paddle 1.5 kilometers do

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Question 433043: A canoeist can paddle a canoe 6 kilometers per hour in still water. If the canoeist can paddle 1 kilomter upstream in the same amount of time that they can paddle 1.5 kilometers downstream, how fast is the current?
Found 2 solutions by htmentor, ewatrrr:
Answer by htmentor(1343) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The speed in still water = 6 kph
Let c = the speed of the current
The speed of the canoeist upstream = 6 - c
The speed of the canoeist downstream = 6 + c
The time to paddle 1 km upstream = the time to paddle 1.5 km downstream
Since time = distance/speed, we can write the following:
1/(6-c) = 1.5/(6+c)
Solve for c:
6 + c = 9 - 1.5c -> 2.5c = 3 -> c = 1.2 kph

Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

Let c represent the speed of the current

Question states*** time is the same Note: t = D/r 

1.5/(6+c) = 1/(6-c)   |cross Multiplying

   6 + c = 1.5(6-c)

      2.5c = 3

         c = 1.2kmph



CHECKING our Answer***

   1.5/7.2 = 1/4.8 = .2083hr  



As to Your further question:

     A. %283%2F8x%29%2F%285%2F12x%29  = (3/8x)(12x/5)= 36/40 = 9/10

     B. 4/15y/12/5y = (4/15y)(5y/12) = 1/9