Question 284246
with the current, joe can row a canoe 3 miles in 12 mins. Against the current, he requires 18 minutes to row same distance. HOw fast does joe row in still water, and how fast is the current?
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With Current:
distance = 3 miles ; time = 1/5 hr ; rate = 3/(1/5) = 15 mph
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Against Current:
distance = 3 miles ; time = 3/5 hr ; rate = 3/(3/5) = 5 mph
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Equations:
b + c = 15 mph
b - c =  5 mph
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2b = 20
b = 10 mph (speed of the boat in still water)
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Substitute to solve for "c":
10 + c = 15
c = 5 mph (speed of the current)
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Cheers,
Stan H.