SOLUTION: A boat travels 24 mi downstream in 3 hrs and returns in 12 hrs. Speed of the stream? time = x speed of stream = y 3x + y =24 12x + y = 24 Have no idea what to do. Help.

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: A boat travels 24 mi downstream in 3 hrs and returns in 12 hrs. Speed of the stream? time = x speed of stream = y 3x + y =24 12x + y = 24 Have no idea what to do. Help.       Log On


   

Question 721084: A boat travels 24 mi downstream in 3 hrs and returns in 12 hrs. Speed of the stream?
time = x
speed of stream = y
3x + y =24
12x + y = 24
Have no idea what to do. Help.

Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A boat travels 24 mi downstream in 3 hrs and returns in 12 hrs. Speed of the stream?
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The speed of the boat (wrt the land) is the average of the speed up & downstream.
24/3 = 8 mi/hr
24/12 = 2 mi/hr
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Boat's speed = (8+2)/2 = 5 mi/hr
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The current is the difference
8 - 5 = 3 mi/hr