Homework Help: Intermediate Algebra Word Problem

Posted by Jennifer on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 8:57am.

A river's current is 4mph. A boat travels 48 miles downstream in the same time it travels 24 miles upstream. Find the speed of the boat.

A) What does the variable stand for?

x stands for the speed of the boat.

B) Write the equation.

24/x - 4 = 48/x + 4

C) Solve.

24/x - 4 = 48/x + 4

24(x + 4) = 48(x - 4)

24x + 96 = 48x - 192

288/24 = 24x/24

mph 12 = x

D) Write the answer in a complete sentence.

The speed of the boat will be 12 miles per hour.

Is this correct?

Intermediate Algebra Word Problem - drwls, Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 9:11am
Yes, it is correct. The upstream speed relative to land (8 mph) is half the downstream speed (16 mph), as required.
Intermediate Algebra Word Problem - Jennifer, Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 10:10am
Thanks

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