Question

A motorboat maintained a constant speed of 16 miles per hour relative to the water in going 55 miles upstream and then retuming. The total time for the tip was 8.0 hours. Use this information to find the speed of the current.​

Answer 1

Answer:

• 6 mph

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the speed of the current be c

Time upstream is

• 55/(16 + c)

Time downstream is

• 55/(16 - c)

Total time is 8 hours

• 55/(16 + c) + 55/(16 - c) = 8
• 55(16 -c + 16 + c)/(16 + c)(16 - c) = 8
• 55*32= 8*(16² - c²)
• 220 = 256 - c²
• c² = 36
• c = 6 mph