Word Problem Question

Question

while canoeing on the tickfaw river, christina traveled 30 miles upstream (against the current) in 5 hours. it took her only 3 hours paddling back to the spot where she started. find christina"s canoeing rae in still water and the rate of the current.

Answer 1

30 = (r-s)*5 = 5r - 5s

30 = (r+s)*3 = 3r + 3s

Solves by elimination: Multiplies top equation by 3 and bottom equation by 5:

90 = 15r - 15s

150 = 15r + 15s

240 = 30r

r=8

30 = (8 - s)*5

6 = 8 - s

-2 = -s

s = 2

The speed of the canoe is 8 miles per hour.

The speed of the current is 2 miles per hour.