Help please! Wind and Water Current Problem

Question

Amy can paddle in still water at 6mph. The Saco River is flowing at 2mph. How far downstream can Sam travel if he must return in two hours?

Answer 1

Amy paddles 6 mph 

 

combined with the current Amy's rate is:

6 - 2=4 mph  upstream and

6+ 2=8 mph  downstream

 

The distance d is the same.

d=rt

 

d=(4 mph) •(2 hours - t)

d=(8 mph) •(t)

 

8 miles - 4t mph=8t mph 

8 miles = 12 t mph

(8/12) hours =t 

t =2/3 hours to travel down stream

tu= 2 hours - 2/3 hours 

tu=4/3 hours to travel upstream 

 

you have sam and amy in the problem. This is the solution for amy. 

Answer 2

Ali,

I predict that Amy and Sam are going to have trouble meeting back up -- they don't seem to have exchanged sufficient information!