Question 1150520
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Let v be the speed of the boat in still water, in miles per hour.


Then the effective rate traveling downstream is (v+5) mph;

     the effective rate traveling upstream   is (v-5) mph.


The "time" equation is

    {{{88/(v+5)}}} = {{{44/(v-5)}}},

according to the condition.


To solve it, cancel the factor 44 in both side, first. You will get

    {{{2/(v+5)}}} = {{{1/(v-5)}}}.


Cross multiply and simplify

    2*(v-5) = v+5

    2v - 10 = v + 5

    v = 15.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  The boat rate in still water is 15 miles per hour.
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Solved.