Downstream distance in fixed time from upstream speed and current: A man rows upstream 32 km in 4 h. If the current is 2 km/h, how far can he go downstream in 6 h?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 72 km

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
From the upstream speed and the stream speed, we can compute the still-water speed. Once u is known, downstream speed u + v gives distance over the required time.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Upstream distance/time: 32 km in 4 h ⇒ upstream speed = 8 km/h.
  • Stream speed v = 2 km/h.
  • Let u be still-water speed.


Concept / Approach:
u − v = 8 ⇒ u = 10. Then downstream speed = u + v.



Step-by-Step Solution:
u − v = 8 ⇒ u = 8 + 2 = 10 km/h.Downstream speed = 10 + 2 = 12 km/h.Distance in 6 h = 12 * 6 = 72 km.



Verification / Alternative check:
Average of up and down equals 10; with v = 2 we get up 8 and down 12, consistent.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
70 and 64 use wrong speeds; 81 assumes 13.5 km/h; 60 assumes 10 km/h downstream.



Common Pitfalls:
Using upstream speed directly for downstream distance; subtracting v instead of adding for downstream.



Final Answer:
72 km

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