SOLUTION: a paddle boat can move at a speed of 20km/h in still water. the boat is paddled 4km down stream in the river in the same time it takes to go up stream 2km. what is the speed of the

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: a paddle boat can move at a speed of 20km/h in still water. the boat is paddled 4km down stream in the river in the same time it takes to go up stream 2km. what is the speed of the      Log On


   

Question 908662: a paddle boat can move at a speed of 20km/h in still water. the boat is paddled 4km down stream in the river in the same time it takes to go up stream 2km. what is the speed of the river.

i am having trouble getting equations out word problem
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let represent the time of each of the downstream and upstream trips. Let represent the speed of the current. Distance equals rate times time, hence time equals distance divided by rate. The current goes against the speed of the boat upstream and adds to the speed of the boat downstream.



and



since , we can say:



Simply solve for

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it