Help! Math word problem

Question

kagal paddled for 4hr with a 6-km/h current to reach a campsite. The return trip against the same current took 10hr. Find the speed of kahla's canoe in still water? 

Answer 1

Hi Brigette, these problem is an application of the: D(istance) = R(ate) * T(ime) equation. Let x be Kagal's rate.

 

First set up a table:

 

Direction     Distance       Rate       Time

---------------------------------------------

W/current         *           x + 6         4

 

A/current          *           x - 6         10

 

The distance is the same, with or against the current. 

 

The W/current distance will equal the A/current distance or:

 

(x + 6) * 4 = (x - 6) * 10

 

Solve for x, you have the speed of Kahla's canoe in still water.

 

Questions?