A boat traveled 48 miles downstream in 4 hours and made the return trip in 6 hours. Find the rate of the current.
A)10 mph
B)2 mph
C)3 mph
D)4 mph

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of the current is 2 mph. This is found by first determining the speed of the boat in still water and the effect of the current. Downstream speed is (48 miles / 4 hours) = 12 mph, and upstream speed is (48 miles / 6 hours) = 8 mph. The current's speed is the difference between the boat's speed in still water and its speed with the current, divided by 2. Thus, (12 mph - 8 mph) / 2 = 2 mph.

A Boat Traveled 48 Miles Downstream in 4 Hours and Made