Multiple choice

A steamer goes downstream and covers the distance between two ports in 4 hours, while it covers the same distance upstream in 5 hours. If the speed of the stream is 2 km per hour, find the speed of the steamer in still water.

  1. 36 km/hr

  2. 24 km/hr

  3. 18 km/hr

  4. 16 km/hr

  5. 10 km/hr
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Let v be the speed of the steamer and u = 2 be the speed of the stream. Downstream speed = v+2, upstream speed = v-2. Distance = (v+2)*4 = (v-2)*5. 4v + 8 = 5v - 10. v = 18 km/hr.

AI explanation

Let the speed of the steamer in still water be x km/hr. The upstream speed is (x - 2) and the downstream speed is (x + 2). Equating the distances gives 4(x + 2) = 5(x - 2). Solving 4x + 8 = 5x - 10 yields x = 18, which is the speed of the steamer in still water.

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