# Math Help - 2 quadratic distance problems

1. ## 2 quadratic distance problems

I need help translating these two problems into equations correctly.

1. During the first part of a canoe trip, Tim covered 60 km at a certain speed. He then traveled 24 km at a speed that was 4 km/h slower. If the total time for the trip was 8 hours, what was the speed on each part of the trip?

2. The current in a typical Mississippi River shipping route flows at a rate of 4 mph. In order for a barge to travel 24 miles up river and then return in a total of 5 hours, approximately how fast must the barge be able to travel in still water?

2. Originally Posted by Why
I need help translating these two problems into equations correctly.

1. During the first part of a canoe trip, Tim covered 60 km at a certain speed. He then traveled 24 km at a speed that was 4 km/h slower. If the total time for the trip was 8 hours, what was the speed on each part of the trip?

2. The current in a typical Mississippi River shipping route flows at a rate of 4 mph. In order for a barge to travel 24 miles up river and then return in a total of 5 hours, approximately how fast must the barge be able to travel in still water?
Use distance = (speed)(time) => time = distance/speed:

1. $\displaystyle \frac{60}{v} + \frac{24}{v - 4} = 8$.

2. $\displaystyle \frac{24}{v - 4} + \frac{24}{v + 4} = 5$.

3. Originally Posted by mr fantastic
Use distance = (speed)(time) => time = distance/speed:

1. $\displaystyle \frac{60}{v} + \frac{24}{v - 4} = 8$.

2. $\displaystyle \frac{24}{v - 4} + \frac{24}{v + 4} = 5$.
Oh thanks. It makes perfect sense now