5

Set 1: Systems of Equations (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

A canoe travels 24 miles downstream in 2 hours. The return upstream takes 4 hours. Find the speed of the canoe in still water.

A.

8 mph

B.

9 mph

✓ Correct
C.

10 mph

D.

12 mph

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. Choice B is the correct answer. Let cc = canoe speed in still water and rr = river current speed. System: {(c+r)2=24(cr)4=24\begin{cases} (c + r) \cdot 2 = 24 \\ (c - r) \cdot 4 = 24 \end{cases} Step 1: Simplify: {c+r=12cr=6\begin{cases} c + r = 12 \\ c - r = 6 \end{cases} Step 2: Add equations: $$$2c = 18c = 9$$ Solution: Canoe speed is 9 mph in still water Verification: Downstream: (9+3) \times 2 = 24,Upstream:✓, Upstream:(9-3) \times 4 = 24$ ✓ Strategic Tip: Current helps downstream, opposes upstream. Other choices fail verification.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 9 mph

Why others are wrong:
A: Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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