Question

A steamer going downstream traveled the distance between two ports in 3 hours. The return trip took 3 hours 40 minutes. Find the speed of the water current if the speed of the steamer in still water is 18 mph.

Answer 1

1.8 mph

Explanation:

Answer 2

1.8 mph

Explanation:

If the water's speed is v, and the distance between the ports is d, then:

d = (18 + v) (3)

d = (18 − v) (3⅔)

Set the distances equal:

(18 + v) (3) = (18 − v) (3⅔)

54 + 3v = 66 − 3⅔ v

6⅔ v = 12

v = 1.8

The speed of the water is 1.8 mph.