Solve the problem.
-A barge travels along a river between Metro City and Smithport, which are 50 miles apart. The speed of the current is 2.4 mph. If the barge can make the downstream trip in 5.9 hours less than it can travel the upstream
Trip, then what is the barge's speed in still water? Round your answer to one decimal place.
A) 6.8 mph
B) 9.1 mph
C) 5.4 mph
D) 8.3 mph

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A.The barge's speed in still water is 6.8 mph. This is because the barge's speed downstream is 2.4 mph faster than its speed in still water, and its speed upstream is 2.4 mph slower than its speed in still water. Therefore, the difference between the barge's speed downstream and upstream is 4.8 mph. Since the barge can make the downstream trip in 5.9 hours less than it can travel the upstream trip, the barge's speed in still water must be 4.8 mph / 2 = 2.4 mph. Therefore, the barge's speed in still water is 2.4 mph + 4.4 mph = 6.8 mph.

Solve the Problem. -A Barge Travels Along a River Between Metro City and Metro