Question 1146100
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The solution from the other tutor is valid; but it is way more work than is necessary.<br>
Note that the statement of the problem allows two possible interpretations -- 130 miles each direction for a total of 260 miles, or 260 miles each direction.<br>
I will go with the same interpretation as the other tutor: 260 miles each direction.<br>
Then the downstream speed is 260/13 = 20mph and the upstream speed is 260/26 = 10mph.<br>
Now we have a very common type of problem that is easily solved.<br>
We have a boat speed and a river current speed; the sum of the two (going downstream, with the current) is 20mph, and the difference (going upstream, against the current) is 10mph.<br>
Either simple algebra or even simpler logical reasoning tells us the two speeds are 15mph and 5mph.<br>
ANSWER: boat speed 15mph; current speed 5mph