Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 1 km/hr
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Equal-time statements over different distances give a ratio of downstream to upstream speeds. Combine that with round-trip time to deduce the current speed.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
From vd/vu = (b + c)/(b − c) = 4/3 ⇒ b = 7c. Then use time equation d/(b − c) + d/(b + c) = 14 to find c.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
b = 7 km/h; times: upstream 48/6 = 8 h; downstream 48/8 = 6 h; total 14 h. Ratio check: vd/vu = 8/6 = 4/3, satisfied.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other values for c break either the 14 h total or the 4:3 time equivalence ratio.
Common Pitfalls:
Treating 4:3 as a distance ratio; it is a speed ratio because times are equal. Always convert such statements into a speed ratio relation.
Final Answer:
1 km/hr.
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