Let's define some variables to help solve this problem.
Let D represent Alicia's downstream rowing rate.
Let U represent Alicia's upstream rowing rate.
From the given information, we can create two equations based on the time it takes Alicia to row 10 miles downstream and 6 miles upstream being the same:
10/D = 6/U and D = U + 4
Substitute D = U + 4 from the second equation into the first equation:
10/(U + 4) = 6/U
10U = 6(U + 4)
10U = 6U + 24
4U = 24
U = 6
Now that we have U, we can find D:
D = U + 4
D = 6 + 4
D = 10
Therefore, Alicia's rowing rate downstream is 10 mph and her rowing rate upstream is 6 mph.
Alicia can row 10 miles downstream in the same time it takes her to row 6 miles upstream. She
rows downstream 4 miles/hour faster than she rows upstream. Find Alicia's rowing rate each
way. Round your answers to the nearest tenth, if necessary
6 mi/h downstream, 10 mi/hr upstream
9 mi/h downstream, 6 mi/hr upstream
8.2 mi/h downstream, 5.1 mi/hr upstream
10 mi/h downstream, 6 mi/hr upstream
1 answer