A boat moves through the water in a river at a speed of 8 m/s relative to the water. The boat makes a trip downstream and then makes a return trip upstream to the original starting place. Which trip takes less time?
A) the downstream trip
B) the upstream trip
C) Both trips take the same amount of time.
D) The answer cannot be figured without knowing the speed of the river flow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The downstream trip takes less time because the boat's speed is augmented by the river's current, while the upstream trip takes more time as the boat's speed is reduced by the river's current.

A Boat Moves Through the Water in a River at a Speed