Rational Expression Word Problem

Question

a man takes 2/3 times as long to go 60 miles downstream in his boat as he does to return/ If the boat's speed is 25 mph in still water, find the speed of the current

Answer 1

distance=rate*time

60=(25+c)(2/3)t

60/t=(25+c)(2/3)

60=(25-c)(t)

60/t=(25-c)

(25-c)=(25+c)(2/3)

3(25-c)=2(25+c)

75-3c=50+2c

75-50=3c+2c

25=5c

c=5 mph is the speed of the current

check: 60=(25-5)t ---> 60=20t ---> t=3 hours

          60=(25+5)(2)   (2/3 of 3 is 2)

          60=30*2

          60=60