A boat travels from one port A to port B, travelling 126 km, upstream (against the current) at a uniform speed, and the trip takes 6 hours. On the way back (downstream), the trip only takes 4.5 hours.

Question

Set up and solve a system of equations to find out the speed of the boat in still water and the speed of the current.

Let b  = speed of boat km/h

Let c = speed of currrent in km/h
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How would I solve this? I'm having trouble setting up equations.

Answer 1

the distance traveled is the same: 126 km. So, since distance = speed * time,

6(b-c) = 126
4.5(b+c) = 126

Answer 2

Oh okay. Now I'll try to solve it and can you let me know if my answer will be right?

Answer 3

I got b=24.5 and c=3.5

Do you want to see my work as well?

Answer 4

nah - that's what I got.

Answer 5

Thank you so much! It's just that I have trouble making the equations. I can do it r simpler problems bit it gets difficult for me

Thank you!!!

Answer 6

i hat math