A boat cruises downstream for 2 hours before heading back. It takes 3.5 hours going upstream to get back. If the speed of the stream is 8 mph, what is the speed of the boat in still water?:

Answer 1

Let x = the speed of the boat in still water. Since the same distance is traveled both ways,

2(x + 8) = 3.5(x - 8)

Solve for x.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.