Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 3 km/h
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question gives downstream and upstream travel rates to deduce the current speed. Converting times to hours is essential.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Compute vd and vu, then use vd = b + c and vu = b − c to find current c = (vd − vu)/2.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Then b = (vd + vu)/2 = (12 + 6)/2 = 9 km/h; check: b + c = 12 and b − c = 6, consistent with data.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
6, 10, 12 km/h do not satisfy both downstream and upstream relations simultaneously when combined with a single boat speed b.
Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to convert 5 minutes to hours; misapplying average vs half-difference. Average gives boat speed, not current speed.
Final Answer:
3 km/h.
Discussion & Comments