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.
Aptitude
Boats and Streams
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A3 km/h and 10 km/h
-
B10 km/h and 3 km/h
-
C20 km/h and 6 km/h
-
D40 km/h and 12 km/h
-
E—
Answer
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