ExamPrepWay
Learn + Solve: Shortcut, Trap & Fast Route Click to view shortcut, steps, and common mistake
Solve this faster with the right shortcut first
- Identify upstream or downstream.
- Apply the correct effective speed.
- Use distance/time relation.
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer: B
Method / Topic: Boats and Streams
The answer uses the correct effective speed of the boat.
Short Explanation
Detailed Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Method / Topic: Boats and Streams
Use the standard Boats and Streams relations as required:
Downstream speed = speed in still water + stream speed.
Upstream speed = speed in still water - stream speed.
Speed in still water = (downstream speed + upstream speed)/2.
Stream speed = (downstream speed - upstream speed)/2.
Also use Speed = Distance / Time and Time = Distance / Speed wherever required.
Still-water speed = 20-4 = 16 km/h. Upstream speed = 16-4 = 12 km/h. Time = 48/12 = 4 hours.
CHECK:
Substituting the obtained values back into the downstream/upstream relations or the distance-time relation reproduces the given data and the selected option.
EXAM TIP:
First identify whether the motion is downstream or upstream. For equal distances, time is inversely proportional to speed. For given downstream and upstream speeds, use their average for boat speed and half their difference for stream speed.
Do not add the stream speed for upstream motion or subtract it for downstream motion. Also do not confuse a time ratio with a speed ratio for equal distances; the ratios are inverse.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE:
A river current assists a boat moving downstream and opposes it upstream, so the same boat has two different effective speeds.
Therefore, the correct
See full explanation + shortcut trick
Compare the quick idea with the premium step-by-step explanation and faster solving trick for this pattern.
Learn + Solve: Shortcut, Trap & Fast Route Click to view shortcut, steps, and common mistake
Shortcut used, common trap, and the fastest solving route
- Identify upstream or downstream.
- Apply the correct effective speed.
- Use distance/time relation.
The downstream speed of a boat is 20 km/h and the stream speed is 4 km/h. How much time will the boat take to cover 48 km upstream?
Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Method / Topic: Boats and Streams
The answer uses the correct effective speed of the boat.
Short Explanation
Detailed Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Method / Topic: Boats and Streams
Use the standard Boats and Streams relations as required:
Downstream speed = speed in still water + stream speed.
Upstream speed = speed in still water - stream speed.
Speed in still water = (downstream speed + upstream speed)/2.
Stream speed = (downstream speed - upstream speed)/2.
Also use Speed = Distance / Time and Time = Distance / Speed wherever required.
Still-water speed = 20-4 = 16 km/h. Upstream speed = 16-4 = 12 km/h. Time = 48/12 = 4 hours.
CHECK:
Substituting the obtained values back into the downstream/upstream relations or the distance-time relation reproduces the given data and the selected option.
EXAM TIP:
First identify whether the motion is downstream or upstream. For equal distances, time is inversely proportional to speed. For given downstream and upstream speeds, use their average for boat speed and half their difference for stream speed.
Do not add the stream speed for upstream motion or subtract it for downstream motion. Also do not confuse a time ratio with a speed ratio for equal distances; the ratios are inverse.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE:
A river current assists a boat moving downstream and opposes it upstream, so the same boat has two different effective speeds.
Therefore, the correct
See full explanation + shortcut trick
Use the free answer check first, then unlock the complete breakdown, shortcut path, and richer explanations for similar questions.
Keep Practicing This Pattern
Recommended Next Practice
Use these suggestions after solving the practice questions above.