Question

A kayaker travels x miles per hour downstream for 4 hours. On the 6-hour return trip, the kayaker travels 2 mile per hour slower. How far did the kayaker travel in total? The kayaker traveled miles.

Answer 1

time * rate = distance

Downstream 4 * x = 4(x)

Upstream 6 * x - 2 = 6(x - 2)

distance downstream = distance upstream:

4(x) = 6(x - 2)

4x = 6x - 12

-2x = -12

x = 6

Distance Upstream: 4x = 4(6) = 24

Distance Upstream: 6(x - 2) = 6(6 - 2) = 6(4) = 24

Total distance traveled is Upstream + Downstream = 24 + 24 = 48

Answer: 48 miles