Question

a steamer goes downstream from one port to another in 12 hours the steamer cover the same distance upstream in 15 hours if the speed of the stream is 2 km per hour find the speed of the steamer in still water also find the distance between ports

Answer 1

Let the speed of the steamer be x

Given that the speed of the stream is 2 km/h

Find upstream distance:

steamer's upstream speed  = (x - 2) km/h

Distance = Speed x times

Distance = (x - 2) x 15

Distance = 15(x -2)

Find downstream distance:

steamer's downstream speed = (x + 2) km/h

Distance = Speed x times

Distance = (x + 2) x 12

Distance = 12(x + 2)

Solve x:

Given that both upstream and downstream distance is the same.

15(x - 2) = 12(x + 2)

15x - 30 = 12x + 24

3x = 54

x = 18

The speed of the steamer in still water is 18 km/h

Find the distance:

Distance = 15(18 - 2) = 240 km

Answer: The speed of the steamer in still water is 18km/h and the distance is 240 km.