A boat’s upstream and downstream speeds are 7 km/h and 13 km/h, respectively. Find the speed of the stream and the speed of the boat in still water.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 3 km/h and 10 km/h

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In boats-and-streams, downstream speed = boat + stream; upstream = boat − stream. Solving the two linear equations yields both unknowns.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Upstream u = 7 km/h.
  • Downstream d = 13 km/h.
  • Let boat speed in still water be b and stream speed be s.


Concept / Approach:
Use the identities d = b + s and u = b − s. Adding gives 2b; subtracting gives 2s.


Step-by-Step Solution:

b = (d + u)/2 = (13 + 7)/2 = 10 km/h.s = (d − u)/2 = (13 − 7)/2 = 3 km/h.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check: b + s = 10 + 3 = 13; b − s = 10 − 3 = 7 (consistent).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They either swap values or produce sums/differences that do not match 13 and 7.


Common Pitfalls:
Answering in the wrong order (boat first vs stream first). The asked order is stream, then boat.


Final Answer:
3 km/h and 10 km/h

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