Streams

Rule 1

Rule 2

Theorem: If the speed of the boat (or the swimmer) isxkm/

hr and if the speed of the stream is y km/hr then, while
upstream the effective speed of the boat = (x-y) km/hr.

Theorem: If the speed of the boat (or the swimmer) isx km/
hr and if the speed of the stream is y km/hr then, while
downstream the effective speed of the boat = (x+y) km/hr.

Illustrative Example

Illustrative Example

Ex.:

Ex.:

Speed of a man is 8 km/hr in still water. I f the rate of

current is 3 km/hr, find the effective speed of the man
upstream.
Soln: Applying the above theorem, we have
effective speed of the man upstream
= ( 8 - 3 = 5) km/hr
Note: Normally by speed of the boat or swimmer we mean
the speed of the boat (or swimmer) in still water.

Speed of a swimmer is 8 km/hr in still water. If the rate

of stream is 3 km/hr, find the effective speed of the
swimmer downstream.
Soln: Applying the above theorem, we have
effective speed of the swimmer downstream
= (8 + 3)= 11 km/hr.

Exercise
1.

Exercise
1.

3.

The speed of a boat in still water is 2 km/hr. I f its speed

upstream be 1 km/hr, then speed of the stream is
[Asst. Grade Exam, 1997]
a)2km/hr
b)3km/hr
c) 1 km/hr
d) None of these
A boat goes 14 km upstream in 56 minutes. The speed of
stream is 2 km/hr. The speed of boat in still water is
a)6km/hr
b)15km/h> c)14km/hr d)17km/hr
Speed of a man is 7 km/hr in still water. I f the rate of
current is 2 km/hr, find the effective speed of the man
upstream.
a)9km/hr
b)5 km/hr
c) 14 km/hr
.
d) Data inadequate
Speed of a man is 9 km/hr in still water. I f the rate of
current is 5 km/hr, find the effective speed of the man
upstream.
a)14km/hr

b)12km/hr

c)4km/hr

d)5km/hr

Answers
: c ; H i n t : 2 - y = l .-. y = 2 - 1 = 1 km/hr
14x60
- d; Hint: Rate upstream = = 15 km/hr
56
(x-2)=15
.-. x=17km/hr
3 b
4.c

2.

3.

4.

The speed of a boat in still water is 10 km/hr. I f its speed

downstream be 13 km/hr, then speed of the stream is:
a)1.5km/hr b)3km/hr
c) 11.5km/hr d)5.75km/hr
The rowing speed of man in still water is 20 km/hr. Going
downstream, he moves at the rate of 25 km/hr. The rate
of stream is
a) 45 km/hr b) 2.5 km/hr c) 12.5 km/hr d) 5 km/hr
If a man goes upstream at 6 km/hr and the rate of stream
is 2 km/hr, then the man's speed in still water is
a)4km/hr
b)8km/hr
c)2km/hr
d)12km/hr
A boat goes 12 kms upstream in 48 minutes. The speed
of stream is 2 km/hr. The speed of boat in still water is
a) 13 km/hr b)2.25km/hr c) 17km/hr d)15km/hr

Answers
1. b;Hint: 10 + y = 13 .-. y = 13-10 = 3km/hr
2. d 3 . b
4.c;Hint:

12x60
=x-2
4o

.-. x=15 + 2 = 17km/hr

Rule 3
Theorem: Ifx km per hour be the man's rate in still water,
1
then x = (man's rate with current + his rate against
current) ie "A man's rate in still water is half the sum of his
rates with and against the current."

P R A C T I C E B O O K ON Q U I C K E R MATHS

488

Illustrative Example
Ex.:

A man can row upstream at 10 km/hr and downstream

at 16 km/hr. Find the man's rate in still water.
Soln: Detail Method: Let the speed of the man in still water
be x km/hr and speed of the stream be y km/r.
According to the question,
x+y= 16.... ( i ) a n d x - y = 10
(ii)
Adding eqn (i) with eqn (ii), we have
2x = 26 :.x= 13 km/hr
.-. Speed of the man in still water = 13 km/hr.
Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, we
have
Rate of man in still water = 1 (l 6 +10) = 13 km/hr.
2

Exercise
1.

2.

3.

4.

A man can row downstream at the rate of 14 km/hr and

upstream at 5 km/hr. Find man's rate in still water.
a)9.5km/hr b)8km/hr
c)8.5km/hr d)9km/hr
A man can row downstream at the rate of 16 km/hr and
upstream at 11 km/hr. Find man's rate in still water.
a) 14 km/hr b) 13.5 km/hr c) 14.5 km/hr d) 15.5 km/hr
The speed of a boat in still water is 12 km per hour. Going
downstream it moves at the rate of 19 km per hour. The
speed of the boat against the stream is
km/hr.
a) 5 km/hr
b) 3 km/hr
c) 8 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
A man can row 15 km downstream in 3 hours and 5 km
upstream in 2 hours. His speed in still water is

km/hr.
a)4km/hr
b)4.5 km/hr
c)3.5 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
5. A man can row with the stream at 10 km/hr and against
the stream at 5 km/hr. Man's rate in still water is
a) 5 km/hr
b) 2.5 km/hr c) 7.5 km/hr d) 15 km/hr
6. A boat goes 40 km upstream in 8 hours and a distance of
36 km downstream in 6 hours. The speed of the boat in
standing water is
a) 6.5 km/hr b) 6 km/hr
c) 5.5 km/hr d) 5 km/hr
7. If a man rows at the rate of 5 km/hr in still water and his
rate against the current is 3.5 km/hr, then the man's rate
along the current is
a) 8.5 km/hr b) 6.5 km/hr c) 6 km/hr
d) 4.25 km/hr
8. A man can row 44 km downstream in 4 hours. I f the
man's rowing rate in still water is 8 km/hr, then find in
what time will he cover 25 km upstream?
a) 5 hours
b) 6 hours
c) 4.5 hours d) 4 hours
9. A man can row his boat with the stream at 6 km/hr and
against the stream at 4 km/hr. The man's rate is
a) 1 km/hr
b)5km/hr
c)8km/hr
d)6km/hr
10. A man rows 40 km upstream in 8 hours and a distance of

36 km downstream in 6 hours, then the speed of man in

still water is
a) 0.5 km/hr b) 5.5 km/hr c) 6 km/hr
d) 5 km/hr
11. I f a man's downstream rate is 10 km/hr, and the rate of
stream is 1.5 km/hr, then the man's upstream rate is
a) 13 km/hr b) 10 km/hr c) 3 km/hr
d) 7 km/hr
12. I f a man rows at 8 km/hr in still water and his upstream
rate is 5 km/hr, then the man's rate along the current
(downstream) is
a)21km/hr b)8km/hr
c)16km/hr d ) l l k m / h r

Answers
La

2.b

3. a;

\ x = 24--19 = 5 km/hr

4. c

Hint: (x + 1 9 ) - =12
2
5.c
6.c

7. b;

Hint: (x + 3 . 5 ) 1 =5

. x = 1 0 --3.5 = 6.5 km/hr

8. a;

Hint: Man's rate in still water = [man's rate with

current + his rate against
current]
1[44
o r

9. b

'

8 =

2|T

25"
+

.-. t = 5 hours.
10. b

11. d; Hint: Rate of stream = (downstream rate - upstream rate)

or, 1.5= l ( l 0 - x )

.-. x = 7km/hr

12. d; Hint: Man's rate in still water = (downstream rate

+ upstream rate)
or,8= -(S+x)*U

km/hr

Rule 4
Theorem: Ifx km per hour be the rate ofthe current, theny
1
= (man's rate with current -his rate against current) ie
"The rate of the current is half the difference between the
rate of the man with and against the current"

Illustrative Example
Ex.:

A man can row upstream at 10 km/hr and downstream

at 16 km/hr. Find the rate of the current.

Streams
Soln: Detail Method:
Let the speed of the man in still water be x km/hr and
the rate of the current be y km/hr
According to the question,
Effective speed of man downstream
= x + y = 16 km/hr.... (i)
Effective speed of man upstream
= xy 10 km/hr.... (ii)
Subtracting eqn (ii) from eqn (i), we have
2y = 6 km/hr
or, y = 3 km/hr
.-. Speed of the current = 3 km/hr
Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem,
Rate of current = l ( l 6 - 1 0 ) = 3 km/hr

489

9.

10.

11.

12.

Exercise
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

A man rows upstream 16 km and downstream 27 km taking 5 hours each time. What is the velocity of current?
a)2km/hr
b)2.1 km/hr
c) 1.1 km/hr
d) None of these
1
A boat moves downstream at the rate of one km in 7
2
minutes and upstream at the rate of 5 km an hour. What
is the velocity of current?
a) 1.3km/hr b) 1.2km/hr c)1.6km/hr d) 1.5km/hr
A person rows a kilometre down the stream in 10 minutes and upstream in 30 minutes. Find the velocity of the
stream.
a) 1 km/hr
b)2km/hr
c)3km/hr
d)4km/hr
A man can row three quarters of a km against the stream
in 11 minutes 15 seconds and return in 7 minutes 30
seconds. Find the speed of the man in still water and
also the speed of the stream
a) 5 km/hr, 2 km/hr
b) 5 km/hr, 1 km/hr
c) 6 km/hr, 2 km/hr
d) 4 km/hr, 1 km/hr
A boat's man goes 48 km downstream in 8 hours and
returns back in 12 hours. Find the speed of the boat in
still water and the rate of the stream.
a) 5 km/hr, 1 km/hr
b) 10 km/hr, 2 km/hr
c) 6 km/hr, 1.5 km/hr
d) None of these
A boat moves with a speed of 11 km per hour and along
the stream and 7 km per hour against the stream. The
rate of the stream is
km/hr.
a) 1 km/hr
b)1.5km/hr c)2km/hr
d)2.5km/hr
A man rows upstream 11 km and downstream 26 km taking 5 hours each time. The velocity of the current is
km/hr.
a) 1 km/hr
b) 1.3km/hr c)1.5km/hr d)2.5km/hr
A boat moves downstream at the rate of 1 km in 6 minutes and upstream at the rate of 1 km in 10 minutes. The
speed of the current is

13.

14.

a)2km/hr
b) 1 km/hr
c)1.5km/hr d)2.5km/hr
The speed of a boat downstream is 15 km/hr and the
speed of the stream is 1.5 km/hr. The speed of the boat
upstream is
a) 13.5 km/hr b) 16.5 km/hr c) 12 km/hr d) 8.25 km/hr
I f a man's rate with the current is 12 km/hr and the rate of
current is 1.5 km/hr, then the man's rate against the current is
a) 9 km/hr
b) 6.75 km/hr c) 5.25 km/hr d) 7.5 km/hr
A man can swim downstream at 8 km/hr and upstream at
2 km/hr. Find man's rate in still water and the speed of
current.
a) 5 km, 2 km/hr
b) 5 km, 1 km/hr
c) 6 km, 3 km/hr
d) 5 km, 3 km/hr
A man rows upstream 20 km and downstream 30 km taking 5 hours each. Find the speed of current.
a)2km/hr
b) 1 km/hr
c) 1.5 km/hr
d) None of these
A boat man can row 2 km against the stream in 20 minutes and return in 15 minutes. Find the rate of rowing in
still water and the speed of current.
a) 7 km/hr, 2 km/hr
b) 6 km/hr, 2 km/hr
c) 7 km/hr, 1 km/hr
d) 7.5 km/hr, 1.5 km/hr
A boat moves downstream at the rate of 12 km/hr and
upstream at 4 km/hr. Find the speed of the boat in still
water and also the speed of current.
a) 8 km/hr, 4 km/hr
b) 4 km/hr, 2 km/hr
c) 6 km/hr, 3 km/hr
d)3km/hr, 1.5km/hr

.7
15. A man can row downstream at the rate of 2 metres per
second and upstream at the rate of 5 km/hr. Find the
man's rowing rate in still water and speed of current,
a) 8 km/hr, 3 km/hr
b) 7.5 km/hr, 3 km/hr
c) 7.5 km/hr, 2.5 km/hr
d) None of these
16. A boatman can row 1 km against the stream in 22

17.

18.

19.

20.

minutes and return in 15 minutes. Find the rate of current.

a)lkm/hr
b)2km/hr
c)1.5km/hr d) 1.3km/hr
A man can row 30 km downstream in 2 hours and 15 km
upstream in 5 hours. Find the man's rowing rate in still
water and speed of current.
a) 9 km/hr, 6 km/hr
b) 8 km/hr, 5 km/hr
c) 9 km/hr, 5 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
A man can row 60 km downstream in 6 hours. I f the
speed of the current is 3 km/hr, then find in what time will
he be able to cover 16 km upstream?
a) 4.5 hours b) 4 hours
c) 5 hours
d) 5.5 hours
A person rows 2 km downstream in 20 minutes and upstream in one hour. Find the velocity of the stream.
a)2.1 km/hr b)3.1 km/hr c)2km/hr
d) 1.5km/hr
A boatman rows 64 km downstream in 8 hours and returns back in 16 hours. Find the speed of the boat in still

P R A C T I C E B O O K ON Q U I C K E R MATHS

490
water and the rate of the stream.
a) 6 km/hr, 2 km/hr
b)4km/hr, 1 km/hr
c) 5 km/hr, 1.5 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
21. A boat goes 100 km downstream in 10 hours, and 75 km
upstream in 15 hours. The speed of the stream is
a)7km/hr

b)5km/hr

c)3km/hr

Velocity of the current = ( 8 - 5) km/hr =1.5 km/hr

3. b; Hint: Rate downstream = * 60 6 km/hr

d) 2 - km/hr

22. A man rows 40 km upstream in 8 hours and a distance of

36 km downstream in 6 hours, then speed of the stream
is
a)0.5km/hr b)5.5km/hr c)6km/hr
d)5km/hr
23. A man can row three quarters of a km against the stream
1
,1
in 11 minutes and return in 7 minutes. Find the
4
2
speed of the man in still water. What is the speed of the
stream?
a) 5 km/hr, 1 km/hr
b) 6 km/hr, 2 km/hr
c) 4 km/hr, 1 km/hr
d) None of these
24. A man rows upstream 13 km and downstream 28 km taking 5 hours each time. What is the velocity of the
currrent?
a)1.5km/hr
b)3 km/hr
c) 2.5 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
25. A boat is rowed down a river at 10 km/hr and up the river
at 4 km/hr. Find the velocity of the river.

Rate upstream = * 60 = 2 km/hr

Velocity of the stream =

3 4
4. b; Hint: Rate upstream = 4 ^
x

b) 2 - km/hr
O

c) 2 km/hr

r\
x 6

= 4 km/hr

3 2
Rate downstream = x x 6 0 = 6 km/hr
4 15
Speed of the man in still water (6 + 4 ) i = 5 km/hr
(See Rule 3)
Speed of the stream = (6 - 4)~ = 1 km/hr
48
5. a; Hint: Rate downstream = = 6 km/hr
o
48
Rate upstream = = 4 km/hr
6.c

a) 2 km/hr

(6 - 2) = 2 km/hr

7.c

8. a

9. c;Hint: ( l 5 - y ) l = 1.5

... y = 15-3 = 12km/hr

d) 2 - km/hr
o
26. In 3 hours a boat can be rowed 9 km upstream or 18 km
downstream. Find the speed of the boat in still water and
the rate at which the stream is running,
a) 4.5 km/hr, 1.5 km/hr
b) 5 km/hr, 3 km/hr
c) 6 km/hr, 4 km/hr
d) Data inadequate

10. a
17. a

Answers

3 60
23. a; Hint: The boat travels with stream at x = 6 km/hr

11.d

12.b

13.c

14.a

15.c

16.a

1 60 _ 16
18. b; Hint: 3 =
19. c

20. a

6
21. d

t = 4 hours

t
22. a

16
1. c; Hint: Man's rate upstream = km/hr

7I

2
The boat travels against the stream at
3
60
x
= 4 km/hr
4 ,, 1
llx
4

27
Man's rate downstream = km/hr

J/27_16
Velocity of the current -

r_2
2. d; Hint: Rate downstream =
Rate upstream = 5 km/hr

km/hr= 1.1 km/hr

2\ 5

15

.-. speed of man in still water = ^-(6 + 4) = 5 km/hr and

x60

km/hr = 8 km/hr

speed of stream = ^ ( 6 - 4 ) = 1 km/hr

24. a

25. d

26. a

Streams

491
7.

Rule 5
Theorem: Ifx km be the rate of stream and a man takes n
times as long to row up as to row down the river, then the
(n \)

Answers

rate of the man in still water is given by x I

_ j J km/hr.

2+1
L b ; Hint:

Illustrative Example
A man takes twice as long to row up as to row down
the river. I f the rate of river is 4 km/hr, find the rate of
Soln:
the man in still water.
Detail Method:
Let rate of man in still water be x km/hr
Then,
x + 4 = 2(x-4)
or,x= 12 km/hr
Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, we
have
2+1
the speed of the man in still water = 4
.2-1,
= 4 x 3 = 12km/hr.

3.

A man can row 4.5 km/hr in still water and he finds that it
takes him twice as long to row up as to row down the
river. Find the rate of stream.
a)2km/hr
b)1.5km/hr c)2.5km/hr d) 1.75km/hr
A man can row 6 km/hr in still water. It takes him twice as
long to row up as to row down the river. Find the rate of
the stream.
a)2km/hr
b)3km/hr
c)1.5km/hr d) 1 km/hr
A man can row at the rate of 3.5 km/hr in still water. I f the
time taken to row a certain distance upstream is 2

an/hr

4.5

2.a

3.b

4. a

5.d

6. a

7.b

Rule 6
Theorem: If the speed of the boat in still water is x km/hr
and the rate of current is y km/hr, then the distance travelled downstream in 'T' hours is (x +y)Tkm Le. Distance
travelled downstream=Downstream Rate X Time. And the
distance travelled upstream in 'T' hours is (x-y)T km ie
Distance travelled upstream = Upstream Rate x Time.

Illustrative Example
Ex.:

Exercise

2.

2-1

4.5 .
'* = = L5 km/hr

Ex.:

1.

A man swimming in a stream which flows 1.5 km/hr finds

that in a given time he can swim twice as far with the
stream as he can against it, at what rate does he swim?
a)4km/hr
b)4.5km/hr c)5km/hr
d)3.5km/hr

times as much as to row the same distance downstream,

find the speed of the current.
a)2.5km/hr b)1.5km/hr c)3km/hr
d)1.25km/hr
A man can row 4 km/hr in still water and he finds that it
takes him twice as long to row up as to row down the
river. Find the rate of stream.
a) 1.3km/hr b)2km/hr
c) 1 km/hr
d) 1.5 km/hr
A man can row at the rate of 4 km/hr in still water. I f the
time taken to row a certain distance upstream is 3 times
as much as to row the same distance downstream, find
the speed of the current.
a)3km/hr
b) 1.5km/hr c) 1 km/hr
d)2km/hr

The speed of a boat in still water is 8 km/hr and the

rate of current is 4 km/hr. Find the distance travelled
downstream and upstream in 5 minutes.
Soln: Applying the above theorem,
5
Distance travelled downstream = (8 + 4):

= lkm.

Distance travelled upstream = ( 8 - 4 ) x = km.

60 3
v

Exercise
1.

2.

3.

4.

rand
A person can row 7 km an hour in still water and he
5.
finds that it takes him t w r e as long to row up as to row
down the river. Find the rate of the stream.
a)2.5km/hr b)2km/hr
c)3km/hr
d) 1.5km/hr

60

The speed of a boat in still water is 15 km/hr and the rate

of current is 3 km/hr. The distance travelled downstream
in 12 minutes is
a)3.6km
b)2.4km
c) 1.2km _ d) 1.8km
Speed of a boat in standing water is 7 km/hr and the
speed of the stream is 1.5 km/hr. A distance of 7.7 km,
going upstream is covered in
a) 1 hr 15minb) 1 hr 12 mine) 1 hr24mind)2hr6min
The speed of a boat in still water is 15 km/hr and the rate
of current is 13 km/hr. Find the distance travelled downstream in 15 minutes.
a)7km
b)8km
c)7.5km
d)7.6km
A man can row upstream 32 km in 4 hours. If the speed of
current is 2 km/hr, find how much he can go downstream
in 6 hours.
a) 70 km
b)72km
c)64km
d)81km
A man can row upstream 36 km in 6 hours. I f the speed of
a man in still water is 8 km/hr, find how much he can go
downstream b 10 hours.
a) 150km
b)80km
c)90km
d) 100km

P R A C T I C E B O O K ON Q U I C K E R MATH

492
The speed of a boat in still water is 5 km/hr and the rate
of current is 1 km/hr. Find the distance travelled in 20
minutes in (i) downstream, (ii) upstream.
a)2km, 1.33km
b)3km, 1.33 km
c) 1.5 km, 1 km
d) Data inadequate
The speed of a boat in still water is 4 km/hr and the
speed of current is 2 km/hr. I f the time taken to reach a
certain distance upstream is 9 hours, find the time it will
take to go to same distance downstream.
a)2hrs
b)2.5hrs
c)3.5hrs
d)3hrs
A person can swim in still water at 4 km/hr. I f the speed
of water is 2 km/hr, how many hours will the man take to
swim back against the current for 6 km.
IUTI Exam, 1990]
a) 3

1
4-

b)4

d) Data inadequate

9.

A man can row in still water at 7 km/hr and the rate of

stream is 3.5 km/hr. A distance o f 10.5 km in going upstream is covered in
a)1.5hrs
b) 1 hr
c)3hrs
d)15hrs
10. The speed of a boat in still water is 15 km/hr and the rate
of stream is 5 km/hr the distance travelled downstream
in 24 minutes is
a)4km

b)8km

c)6km

OR
Total Time :\speed

Distance'

2Dx
the total time taken by him is

2. c;

(Speed in still water) - (Speed in current)

Illustrative Examples
Ex. 1: The speed of a boat in still water is 6 km/hr and
speed of the stream is 1.5 km/hr. A man rows to ;
place at a distance of 22.5 km and comes back to th=
starting point. Find the total time taken by him.
Soln: Detail Method:
Boat's upstream speed = 6 - 1.5 = 4.5 km/hr
Boat's downstream speed = 6+1.5 = 7.5 km/hr

d)16km

Total time =

22.5

22.5
+4.5
7.5

5 + 3 = 8 hrs.

Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, w

have

Hint: (7-1.5)T = 7.7 :.T = = 1 hr 24 minutes

'
5.5

hours OR Ton

2 x Distance x Speed in still water

time

12 18
Hint: Required distance = (l 5 + 3 ) = = 3.6 km
60
5
V

current)']

Note: The speed of a boat in still water is x km/hr and f.-.

speed of the stream is y km/hr. A man rows to a place at i
distance ofDkm and comes back to the starting point thi

Answers
1. a;

in still water)' - (Speed of

2 x Speed in stilt water

2x22.5x6
the total time = ,2
6 -(l.5)
2

8 hours.

3. a
32
Hint: Downstream rate = = 8 km/hr
4
Speed of man in still water = 8 + 2 = 1 0 km/hr
Now, the required distance = (10 + 2)6 = 72 km
36
Hint: Speed of current = - r = 2 km/hr
6
.-. required distance = (8 + 2) 10 = 100 km

4. b;

5-d;
6. a
7. d;

Ex. 2: A man can row 6 km/hr in still water. When the river is
running at 1.2 km/hr, it takes him 1 hour to row to a
place and back. How far isthe place?
Soln: Detail Method: Man's rate downstream = (6 + 1.2) k,
hr = 7.2 km/hr
Man's rate upstream = (6 - 1.2) km/hr = 4.8 km/hr
Let the required distance be x km. Then
X

12

Hint: Distance = (4 - 2)9 = 18 km

.-. Required time =

8. a

9.c

18
4+2

10. b

Rule 7

2x

-1
4^8"

or, 4.8.x + 7.2* = 7.2x4.8

7.2x4.8
= 2.88 km.
12
Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, we
have

= 3hrs

Theorem: A man can row x km/hr in still waters. If in a

stream which isflowing aty km/hr, it takes him z hrs to row
to a place and back, the distance between the two places is

the required distance =

Exercise
1.

lx 6

-Q.2)1

2x6
36-1.44
= 3-0.12 = 2.88 km
12

A man rows 8 km/hr in still water. If the river is running at

2 km/hr, it takes 32 minutes to row to a place and back.

MATHS

Streams

493

How far is the place?

a)1.5km
b)2.5km
c)2km
d)3km
A man can row 5 km/hr in still water. I f the river is running at 1.5 km/hr, it takes him 1 hour to row to a place and
back. How far is the place?
a)2km
b)2.5km
c)2.275km d)2.175km
A man can row 8 km per hour in still water. I f the river is
running at 2 km an hour, it takes him 48 minutes to row to
a place and back, how far is the place?
a)5km
b)4km
c)2km
d)3km
A man can row 5 km per hour in still water. I f the river is
running at 1 km an hour, it takes him 75 minutes to row to
a place and back. The place is at a distance of
km
from the starting point.
a)3km
b)4km
c)5km
d)2km
A man can row 5 km/hr in still water. I f the river is running at 1 km/hr, it takes him 1 hour to row to a place and
back. How far js the place?
a)2.5km
b)2.4km
c)3km
d)3.6km
A boat travels upstream from B to A and downstream
from A to B in 3 hours. I f the speed of the boat in still
water is 9 km/hr and the speed of the current is 3 km/hr,
the distance between A and B (in km) is
[BSRB Bank PO Exam, 1990]
a) 4
b)6
c)8
d) 12
A man can row 6 km/hr in the still water. I f the river is
running at 2 km/hr, it takes him 3 hours to row to a place
and back. How far is the place?
a)8km
b)12km
c)9km
d)6km
A man can row 4 km/hr in still water if the river is running
at 2 km/hr, it takes 6 hours to row to a place and back.
How far is the place?
a)6km
b)8km
c)9km
d)9.5km
A boat's crew rowed down a stream from A to B and up

place and back, how far off is the place?

a)2km
b)3km
c)4km
d)6km

Answers
2.ZX8
l.c;Hint:

8^
3.d
10. a

2.c
9.d

32
~60
4. a
11.b

.-. D = 2km
5.b

6.d

7. a

8.c

Rule 8

D+

^D +(Tx)

km/hr.

Illustrative Example
Ex.:

In a stream running at 2 km/hr, a motorboat goes 10

km upstream and back again to the starting point in
55 minutes. Find the speed of the motorboat in still
water.
Soln: Detail Method: Let the speed of the motorboat in still
water be x km/hr.
10

10
x+2

55
60

or, 2 4 0 * = 1 1 * ' - 4 4
2

or, l l x - 2 4 0 * - 4 4 = 0
.-. ( x - 2 2 ) ( l b c + 2 ) = 0
So, x = 22 km/hr (neglect the -ve value)
.-. speed of the motorboat in still water = 22 km/hr.
Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, we
have
the speed of the motorboat in still water

the crew can row in still water at 5 km/hr, find the distance from A to B.
a) 16km
b)8km
c)14km
d)12km
A boat's crew rowed down a stream from A to B and up

10 +

again in 9 hours. I f the stream flows at 2 ^ km/hr and

(,0) +||lx2
2

60 + 61

6
11

12

12

121 12
= x = 22 km/hr.
11
6

the crew can row in still water at 4 km/hr, find the

Exercise

distance from A to B.
b)13km

Theorem: If in a stream running atx km/hr, a motorboat

goes D km upstream and back again to the starting point in
'T' hours, then the speed of the motorboat in still water is

1
again in 7 hours. I f the stream flows at 3 km/hr and

a) 14km

c)12km

d)16km

_1
A man can row 7 km/hr in still water. I f in a river
2
running at 1 km/hr, it takes him 50 minutes to row to a

1.

2.

The current of a stream runs at the rate of 4 km an hour.

A boat goes 6 km and back to its starting point in 2
hours. Find the speed of the boat in still water.
a)8km/hr
b)9km/hr
c)6km/hr , d)4km/hr
A motor boat can travel at 10 km/hr in still water. It travelled 91 km downstream in a river and then returned,

P R A C T I C E B O O K ON Q U I C K E R MA

494

3.

4.

taking altogether 20 hours. Find the rate of flow of river.

a)6km/hr
b)2km/hr
c)3km/hr
d)4km/hr
The rate of flow of river water is 4 km/hr. A boat goes 6
km and back to the starting point in 2 hours. Find the
speed of the boat in still water.
a)6km/hr
b)8km/hr
c)9km/hr
d)10km/hr
In a stream running at 2 km/hr, a motorboat goes 12 km
upstream and back again to the starting point in 2
hours. Find the speed of the motorboat in still water.
a) 15 km/hr
b)12km/hr
c) 10 km/hr
d) None of these

Answers

Note: 1. How do the denominators of the above two fordiffer? For upstream speed we use the figures of:
stream speed and time and for downstream spec
use the figures of upstream speed and time.
2. Numerators remain the same in both formula:

Illustrative Example
Ex.:

A man can row 30 km upstream and 44 km

stream in 10 hrs. Also, he can row 40 km upstrea55 km downstream in 13 hrs. Find the rate of the
rent and the speed of the man in still water.
Soln: Detail Method:
Let, upstream rate = x km/hr and downstream
= y km/hr
30

l.a
Then
/

2. c; Hint:

91 + 9 1 + ( 2 0 x )

= 10

3.b

or, x = 9
4.c

40

>T 7
= 1

a n d

55

T 7
+

= 1 3

or,30u + 44v=10
40u + 55v=13

20

or, 4Q0x =11881-8281 = 3600

l

44
+

1
1
Where u = and v =
x
y

x = 3 km/hr

l
l
Solving, we get u = and v =

Rule 9

.-. x = 5 and y = 11

Theorem: A man can row x, km upstream and y km down]

5 + 11 u
rate in still water = - = 8 km/hr.

stream in T hours. Also, he can row x km upstream and

}

y km downstream in T hours. Then, the rate of the current and speed of the man in still water is calculated by the
use of multiple cross-multiplication method as given below.
2

Step I: Arrange the given figures in the following form

Upstream
Downstream
Time

Rate of current =

11-5

= 3 km/hr.

Quicker Method: (By use of multiple cross-multiplicar.

Step I: Arrange the given figures in the following forr
Upstrearn
Downstream
30
44
40
,
55
Upstream speed of man

yi
Upstream speed of man =

km/hr

30x55-40x44

-110

55x10-44x13

-22

=5

Downstream speed of man

3 0 x 5 5 - 4 0 x 4 4 _ -110

x y -x y

Downstream speed of man =

*1*2

~ 2^\

km/hr
)

~ 30x13-40x10 ~ -10

= 11

StepD:

Step I I : Now to calculate the speed of man and current, use

the following formula,

5 + 11
Speed of man = - = 8 km/hr.

Speed of man = [upstream speed of man + downstream speed of man]

| Remember Rule 3]

and speed of stream =

[Downstream speed ofman

and speed of stream = - - = 3 km/hr.

Exercise
1.

Upstream speed of man]

[Remember Rule 4]

A man can row 15 km upstream and 22 km down

5 hrs. Also, he can row 22 km upstream and 2"

downstream in 6 hrs. Find the rate of the current and

2
the speed of the man in still water,
a) 11 km/hr, 5 km/hr
b) 8 km/hr, 3 km/hr
c) 5 km/hr, 2 km/hr
d) None of these
A man can row 45 km upstream and 66 km downstream in
15 hrs. Also, he can row 66 km upstream and 82.5 km

Exercise
1.

Ramesh can row a certain distance downstream in 6 hours

and return the same distance in 9 hours. If the speed of
Ramesh in still water is 12 km/hr,find the speed of the
stream.
a) 2.4 km/hr
b) 2 km/hr
c) 3 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
A can row a certain distance down a stream in 6 hours
and return the same distance in 9 hours. I f the stream

2.
downstream in 19 hrs. Find the rate of the current and
2
the speed of the man in still water.
a) 8 km/hr, 3 km/hr
b) 11 km/hr, 3 km/hr
c) 11 km/hr, 8 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
A man can row 60 km upstream and 88 km downstream in
20 hrs. Also, he can row 80 km upstream and 110 km
downstream in 26 hrs. Find the rate of the current and
the speed of the man in still water.
a) 12 km/hr, 4 km/hr
b) 16 km/hr, 6 km/hr
c) 8 km/hr, 3 km/hr
d) None of these
2. a

d) Data inadequate
c) 1 1 - km/hr
4
Ajay can row a certain distance downstream in 5 hours
and return the same distance in 7 hours. I f the stream
flows at the rate of 2 km per hour find the speed of Ajay
in still water.
a) 12 km/hr b) 10 km/hr c) 18 km/hr d) 16 km/hr
Rohit can row a certain distance downstream in 8 hours
and return the same distance in 12 hours. I f the stream
flows at th&rate of 5 km per hour find the speed of Rohit
in still water.

3.c

Rule 10
Theorem: A man rows a certain distance downstream in x
hours and returns the same distance iny hrs. If the stream
flows at the rate of z km/ltr then the speed of the man in still
mater is given by

4.

km/hr. Or, Speed in still water =

a) 20 km/hr
Rate of stream (Sum of upstream and downstream time)

La;Hint: zj
2.c

Illustrative Example
Ramesh can row a certain distance downstream in 6
hours and return the same distance in 9 hours. I f the
stream flows at the rate of 3 km per hour find the
speed of Ramesh in still water.
vjln: Detail Method: Let the speed of Ramesh in still water

b) 30 km/hr

9+6

12

9-6,

3. a

d) 25 km/hr

z = 2.4 km/hr

4.d

Rule 11

L\.:

be x km/hr. Then his upstream speed = (x-3) km/hr

c) 15 km/hr

Answers

Difference of upstream and downstream time

unlir.

b) 12 km/hr

a) 11 km/hr

3.

\nswers
: b

flows at the rate o f 2 km/hr, find how far he can row in

4
an hour in still water?

Theorem: If a man can row at a speed of x km/hr in still

water to a certain upstream point and back to the starting
point in a river which flows at y km/hr, then the averge
speed for total journey (up + down) is given by
(x +

y^x-y)
km/hr.

and downstream speed = (x + 3) km/hr.

Now, we are given that up and down journey are equal,

OR

therefore,
(x + 3)6 = ( x - 3 ) 9

Average speed for the total journey

or, 6x + 18 = 9 x - 2 7
Upstream rate x Downstream rate

or, 3x = 45

Speed in still water

.'. x = 15 km/hr
Quicker Method: By the above theorem, we have
3(9 + 6)
Ramesh's speed in still water =

T T

96

Illustrative Example
15 km/hr.

Ex.:

A man can row at a speed of 5 km/hr in still water to a

P R A C T I C E B O O K ON Q U I C K E R MATH

496
certain upstream point and back to the starting point
in a river which flows at 2 km/hr. Find his average
speed for total journey.
Soln: Detail Method: Letthe distance bexkm.
Average speed =

Total Distance
Total Time
2x

2x
x
7

A man can row 6 km/hr in still water. I f the riverunning at 2 km/hr, it takes 3 hours more in upstreithan to go downstream for the same distance. H
far is the place?
Soln: Detail Method: Let the distance of the place be x k According to the question,
Ex.:

2xx2\
x
3

lOx

+ -

(5 + 2 H 5 - 2 )

Illustrative Example

6-2

Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem, we

have
(5 + 2 X 5 - 2 )

21
5~

.1
5 ' ^ aT1

=3

or,-- 8 = 3
.-. x = 8*3 = 24km
Quicker Method: Applying the above theorem.
have
the required distance

= = 4 - km/hr.

average speed =

6+2

_ (6 - 2 ) 3

ir

2x2

Exercise
1.

2.

3.

4.

A man can row at a speed of 4.5 km/hr in still water to a

certain upstream point and back to the starting point in
a river which flows at 1.5 km/hr. Find his average speed
for total journey.
a) 4 km/hr
b) 6 km/hr
c) 4.5 km/hr d) 5 km/hr
A man row at a speed of 8 km/hr in still water to a certain
distance upstream and back to the starting point in a
river which flows at 4 km/hr. Find his average speed for
total journey.
a) 8 km/hr
b) 6 km/hr
c) 4 km/hr
d) 10 km/hr
A man can row at a speed of 10 km/hr in still water to a
certain upstream point and back to the starting point in
a river which flows at 4 km/hr. Find his average speed for
total journey.
a) 2 km/hr
b) 3 km/hr
c) 1.5 km/hr
d) Data inadequate
A man can row at a speed of 15 km/hr in still water to a
certain upstream point and back to the starting point in
a river which flows at 3 km/hr. Find his average speed for
total journey.
a) 9 km/hr
b) 6 km/hr
c) 3 km/hr
d) 2 km/hr

l.a

2.b

4.d

j. a

Theorem: A man can row x km/hr in still water. If the river

is running aty km/hr, it takes T hours more in upstream
than to go downstream for the same distance, then the dis2

tance is given by

2v

8 x 3 = 24 km.

1.

2.

3.

4.

A man can row 5 km/hr in still water. If the river is rurning at 1 km/hr, it takes 2 hours more in upstream than::
go downstream for the same distance. How far is tht
place?
c)18km
d)16km
a) 24 km
b) 20km
A man can row 7 km/hr in still water. If the river is rurning at 3 km/hr, it takes 6 hours more in upstream than:
go downstream for the same distance. How far is tht
place?
a) 48 km
b) 36 km
c)42km
d)40km
A man can row 8 km/hr in still water. If the river is running at 4 km/hr, it takes 1 hour more in upstream than t:
go downstream for the same distance. How far is thi
place?
a) 16 km
b) 12 km
c)8km
d)6km
A man can row 9 km/hr in still water. If the river is running at 3 km/hr, it takes 3 hours more in upstream than tc
go downstream for the same distance. How far is the
place?
a) 30 km
b) 36 km
d)24km
d) None of these

Answers
2.d

3. d

4.b

Miscellaneous

Rule 12

V-v V

Exercise

l.a

Answers

32x3
~

km.

A boat takes 3 hours to travel from place M to N downstream and back from N to M upstream. I f the speed 0:
he boat in still water is 4 km, what is the distance between the two places?
[ BSRB Delh i PO, 20001
a)8km
b)12km
c) 6 km
d) Data inadequate
A man rows to a place 48 km distant and back in 14
hours. He finds that he can row 4 km with the stream in

ATHS

Streams

497

the same time as 3 km against the stream. Find the rate of

the stream?
a) 1 km/hr
b)2km/hr c)1.5km/hr d)2.5km/hr
P, Q and R are the three towns on a river which flows
uniformly. Q is equidistant from P and R. I row from P to
Q and back in 10 hours and I can row from P to R in 4
hours. Compare the speed of my boat in still water with
that of the river.
a)5:3

b)4:3

c)6:5

d)7:3

Answers
'.. d; Let the distance between M and N and the speed o f
current in still water be d km and x km/hr respectively.
d
d
,
According to the question, ^ ^ + - - 3

1 a;

In the above equation we have only one equation but

two variables. Hence can't be determined,
Suppose that the man takes x hours to cover 4 km
downstream and x hours to cover 3 km upstream.
48* 48*
Then, ~ ~ ~y
+

,
U

o r

1
X

.-. Rate upstream = 6 km/hr and rate downstream

km/hr

.-. Rate of the stream = (8 - 6)-^- = 1 km/hr

2

[See Rule 4]

3. a;

_2

I can row from P to R in 4 hours

.-. I can row from P to Q in 2 hours
But 1 can row from P to Q and back in 10 hours.
.-. I can row from Q to P in (10 - 2 =) 8 hours
Hence in rowing with the current I take 2 hours and in
rowing against the current I take 8 hours, the distance being same in both the cases.
Now, distance being the same the 'down rate' and the
'up rate' are inversely proportional to the times.
.-. down rate : up rate = 8:2 = 4 : 1
.-. speed of boat in still water : speed of river
= ( 4 + l ) : ( 4 - l ) = 5:3.