Final answer:
The speed of the water in the river is 4/3 miles per hour or approximately 1.33 miles per hour, calculated by dividing the distance of 1/3 mile by the time of 1/4 hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the speed of the water in the river, we can use the formula: speed = distance ∕ time. The tree branch was transported a distance of 1/3 mile in 1/4 of an hour.
To find the speed in miles per hour, divide 1/3 by 1/4, which is the same as multiplying 1/3 by the reciprocal of 1/4 (which is 4):
Speed = (1/3 mile) ∕ (1/4 hour) = (1/3) × 4 = 4/3 miles per hour
Therefore, the speed of the water in the river is 4/3 miles per hour or approximately 1.33 miles per hour.