Question 999207: A powerboat takes 30 minutes to travel 10 miles downstream. The return trip takes 50 minutes. What is the speed of the current? Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! A powerboat takes 30 minutes to travel 10 miles downstream. The return trip takes 50 minutes. What is the speed of the current?
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Downstream DATA:
time = (1/2) hr ; distance = 10 miles ; rate = d/r = 20 mph
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Upstream DATA:
time = (5/6) hr ; distance = 10 miles ; rate = 10/(5/6) = 12 mph
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Equations:
b + c = 20 mph
b - c = 12 mph
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2b = 32
b = 16 (Speed of the boat in still water)
c = 4 mph (speed of the current)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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