SOLUTION: A boat travels 36 miles downstream in the same amount of time that it takes to travel 24 miles upstream. The boat travels at a still water rate that is 12 miles per hour more than

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Question 928688: A boat travels 36 miles downstream in the same amount of time that it takes to travel 24 miles upstream. The boat travels at a still water rate that is 12 miles per hour more than the rate of the current. Find the rate of the current.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A boat travels 36 miles downstream in the same amount of time that it takes to travel 24 miles upstream. The boat travels at a still water rate that is 12 miles per hour more than the rate of the current. Find the rate of the current.
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Downstream DATA::
distance = 36 miles ; time = x hrs ; rate = d/t = 36/x mph
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Upstream DATA:
distance = 24 miles ; time = x hrs ; rate = d/t = 24/x mph
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Equations:
b + c = 36/x
b - c = 24/x
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2b = (60/x)
boat speed = 30/x
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2c = 12/x
current speed = 6/x
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Equation
boat speed = current speed + 12
30/x = 6/x + 12
24/x = 12
x = 2
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Ans: current speed = 6/x = 6/2 = 3 mph
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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