Question 167461
Dick's motorboat can make an average 8 miles an hour. One day he sets out for a
 trip, only to have the motor break down. Dick rows back at 2 miles an hour.
 When he reaches his dock, he finds that he has been gone for 5 hours.
 How far has he rowed?
:
Let d = distance rowed (same as by motor)
;
Write a time equation. Time = {{{distance/speed}}}
:
Motor time + rowing time = 5 hrs
{{{d/8}}} + {{{d/2}}} = 5
:
Multiply equation by 8 to get rid of the denominators, results:
d + 4d = 8(5)
:
5d = 40
d = {{{40/5}}}
d = 8 miles rowed
:
:
Check solution in our equation
{{{8/8}}} + {{{8/2}}} = 5