The rate of a river current is 3mi/h. A boat traveled 24mi down the river and then returned the same distance the total time for the round trip was 6h. Find the rate of the boat in calm water

⚑ Flag

These are called distance-time-rate problems.  The key is remembering this equation: rate x time = distance. Let your rate downstream equal c+3, where c is your rate in calm water.  Similarly, let your rate upstream equal c-3. You know your total time is 6 hours, so set up the equation as follows knowing that distance ÷ rate = time: [24÷(c+3) ] + [24÷(c-3) ] = 6 hours Now just solve for c, the rate in calm water.  Hope this helps