Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Cannot be determined
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The statement provides a very small total time (41 min 40 s ≈ 0.694 h) for a 40 km round trip against and with current, without specifying still-water speed or current. We must evaluate if a unique answer exists.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The time equation T = 20/(b − c) + 20/(b + c) has infinitely many (b, c) solutions for a fixed T unless additional constraints are given. Moreover, the given T seems unrealistically small for such a journey unless speeds are very high; still, with no b or c provided, there is no unique solution.
Step-by-Step Reasoning:
Verification / Alternative check:
Trial values of b and c can be found to approximate the total, but uniqueness is absent. Also, the options list specific speeds without context; none can be uniquely justified.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
66, 72, or 48 km/h cannot be deduced from the data and would be arbitrary picks.
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming still water (c = 0) or guessing current; the problem provides neither, so the answer is indeterminate.
Final Answer:
Cannot be determined.
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