Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 2 km/h
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Equal distances allow conversion of times to effective speeds; the current is half the difference of downstream and upstream speeds.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Current c = (vd − vu)/2 and still-water speed b = (vd + vu)/2.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Check times: 10/24 ≈ 0.4167 h (25 min) and 10/20 = 0.5 h (30 min).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
3, 1, 0.5 do not reflect the half-difference of 24 and 20 which is exactly 2.
Common Pitfalls:
Using average time instead of converting each leg to a speed first, which is cleaner here.
Final Answer:
2 km/h.
Discussion & Comments