A boat running downstream covers a distance of 22 km in 4 hours while ...
Let's assume that the speed of the boat in still water is x km/h, and the speed of the current is y km/h.
When the boat is traveling downstream, it gets a boost from the current, so its effective speed is increased by the speed of the current. Therefore, the speed of the boat downstream is (x + y) km/h.
Similarly, when the boat is traveling upstream, it has to work against the current, so its effective speed is decreased by the speed of the current. Therefore, the speed of the boat upstream is (x - y) km/h.
We are given that the boat covers a distance of 22 km downstream in 4 hours. Using the formula speed = distance/time, we can write the equation:
(x + y) = 22/4
Simplifying this equation, we get:
x + y = 5.5
We are also given that the boat covers the same distance of 22 km upstream in 5 hours. Using the same formula, we can write the equation:
(x - y) = 22/5
Simplifying this equation, we get:
x - y = 4.4
Now we have a system of equations with two variables (x and y). We can solve this system of equations to find the values of x and y.
Adding the two equations together, we get:
(x + y) + (x - y) = 5.5 + 4.4
Simplifying, we get:
2x = 9.9
Dividing both sides by 2, we get:
x = 4.95
Therefore, the speed of the boat in still water is 4.95 km/h, which corresponds to option B.
A boat running downstream covers a distance of 22 km in 4 hours while ...