Stream velocity from symmetric 1 km runs: A person rows 1 km downstream in 10 minutes and 1 km upstream in 30 minutes. Find the velocity of the stream.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 2 km/hr

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Equal distances with different times give direct speeds. Convert minutes to hours, compute the downstream and upstream speeds, then extract the stream speed via half-difference.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Downstream: 1 km in 10 min = 1 km / (10/60 h) = 6 km/h.
  • Upstream: 1 km in 30 min = 1 km / (30/60 h) = 2 km/h.
  • u is still-water speed; v is stream speed.


Concept / Approach:
Use v = (down − up)/2; u = (down + up)/2.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Down = 6, Up = 2.v = (6 − 2) / 2 = 2 km/h.u = (6 + 2) / 2 = 4 km/h (for reference).



Verification / Alternative check:
Check composition: u + v = 6, u − v = 2 matches the given.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1, 3, 4, 1.5 do not equal the required half-difference.



Common Pitfalls:
Using average instead of half-difference for v; forgetting to convert minutes to hours correctly.



Final Answer:
2 km/hr

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