SOLUTION: Tom's rowboat can travel 7 miles downstream in the same time that it can travel 3mi upstream . If the speed of the current is 1mph , what is Tom's rowing speed in still water?

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Question 719661: Tom's rowboat can travel 7 miles downstream in the same time that it can travel 3mi upstream . If the speed of the current is 1mph , what is Tom's rowing speed in still water?
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Tom's rowboat can travel 7 miles downstream in the same time that it can travel 3mi upstream . If the speed of the current is 1mph , what is Tom's rowing speed in still water?
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Downstream DATA:
distance = 7 miles ; rate = b+1 mph ; time = d/r = 7/(b+1) hrs
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Upstream DATA
distance = 3 miles ; rate = b-1 mph ; time = d/r = 3/(b-1) hrs
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Equation:
time = time
7/(b+1) = 3/(b-1)
7b-7 = 3b+3
4b = 10
b = 2.5 mph (speed of the boat in still water)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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