Intermediate Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321785045
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-504-6

Chapter 4 - Section 4.3 - Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving - Exercise Set - Page 230: 6

Answer

He can row in still water at a speed of $8.7$ kilometers per hour and the speed of the current is $1.9$ kilometers per hour.

Work Step by Step

Terry Watkins rows $10.6$ kilometers in $1$ hour downstream and $6.8$ kilometers in $1$ hour upstream. Let $r$ be how fast he can row in still water and let $c$ be the speed of the current. Both values are in kilometers per hour. $r + c = 10.6$ Equation $(1)$ (Speed Downstream) $r - c = 6.8$ Equation $(2)$ (Speed Upstream) Equation $(1)$ + Equation $(2)$ $(r+c) + (r-c) = (10.6+6.8)$ $2r = 17.4$ $r=8.7$ Substitute $r$ into the Equation $(1)$. $8.7 + c = 10.6$ $c = 1.9$ He can row in still water at a speed of $8.7$ kilometers per hour and the speed of the current is $1.9$ kilometers per hour.
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