Question

A boat traveled 64 miles downstream and back. The trip downstream took 4 hours. The trip back (upstream) took 8 hours. Find the speed of the boat n still water and the speed of the current.

Please help me I don't remember how to solve problems like this. xo Thanks

Answer 1

Alright, so I'm a bit fuzzy on how to do these sorts of problems, but I'll do my best to help!

On the trip downstream, the boat traveled 64 miles in 4 hours, which is 16 miles per hour. On the trip upstream, the boat traveled 64 miles in 8 hours, which is 8 miles per hour.

Let's say x is the speed of the boat in still water. Y is the speed of the current.
Downstream: 16=x+y
Upstream: 8=x-y
Then set equal and solve!

Answer 2

Thank you so so much! :)

Answer 3

You're welcome!