Question 1057480
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Write and solve an equation: Eva is kayaking. In still water, she can travel 5 mph. She goes 4 miles downstream and 6 miles upstream in 3.5 hours. 
What is the speed of the current? (Please show step by step)
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<pre>
The governing equation is 

{{{4/(5+c) + 6/(5-c)}}} = 3.5

where "c" is the speed of the current.


To solve it, multiply both sides by (5+c)*(5-c).
Then simplify and solve the quadratic equation for "c".
</pre>

It is a typical Upstream and Downstream round trips word problem.

You can find similar fully solved problems on upstream and downstream round trips with detailed solutions in lessons 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/travel/Wind-and-Current-problems.lesson>Wind and Current problems</A> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/travel/More-problems-on-upstream-and-downstream-round-trips.lesson>More problems on upstream and downstream round trips</A> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/word/travel/Selected-problems-from-the-archive-on-a-boat-floating-Upstream-and-Downstream.lesson>Selected problems from the archive on the boat floating Upstream and Downstream</A> 

in this site.


Read them attentively and learn how to solve this type of problems once and for all.


Also, you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I in this site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson>ALGEBRA-I - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK</A>.


The referred lessons are the part of this textbook under the section "<U>Word problems</U>", the topic "<U>Travel and Distance problems</U>".