distance (d) = rate (r) x time (t)
Time Rate Distance Equation
Boat 1: 4.5 hrs x y 4.5x = y
Boat 2: 4.5 hrs x + 6 63 - y 4.5(x + 6) = 63 - y
Use substitution to solve the system by replacing "y" with 4.5x:
4.5(x + 6) = 63 - 4.5x
4.5x + 27 = 63 - 4.5x
9x + 27 = 63
9x = 36
x = 4
Boat 1: x = 4 mph
Boat 2: x + 6 = 4 + 6 = 10 mph
Answer: 4 mph, 10 mph