Justin paddles his kayak 6 miles upstream in 1,5 hours. he turns around and paddles downstream, the same distance, in only 1 hour. What is the rate in still water and what is the rate of the water's current

Answer 1

let x - rate in still water
y - rate of current
R * T = D
UPS x-y 1.5 6mi
DOWNS x+y 1 6mi

1.5(x-y)=6 ----- 1.5x-1.5y = 6
-1.5[(x+y)=6] -- -1.5x-1.5y = -9
________________
by elimination -3y = -3
method y = 1mph(current)
x+1=6
x=5mph (still water)