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Physics help needed using algebra as well? please

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ive been given this problem can somone help me?

A swimmer is training in a river. The current flows at 1.60 metres per second and the swimmer's speed is 2.57 metres per second relative to the water. If the swimmer swam upstream and then back downstream to the starting position in a time of 165.0 seconds, how far upstream did the the swimmer swim?

HINT: Use Algebra. Determine the average speed first.

Give your answer in metres (m) and round it to the nearest whole metre.

Distance swum upstream (m) =

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3 ANSWERS


  1. Suppose he swims to distance x metre upstream. He swims same distance back downstream.

    When swimming upstream, swimmer is swimming opposite to current.

    Therefore, velocity of swimmer relative to ground = 2.57 - 1.60 = 0.97 m/s

    Time taken t1 = x/0.97 second

    When swimming downstream, swimmer is swimming in the same direction as current.

    Therefore, velocity of swimmer relative to ground = 2.57 + 1.60 =  4.17 m/s

    Time taken t2 = x/4.17 second

    Total time taken = t1 + t2 = x/0.97 + x/4.17 second

    Given t1 + t2 = 165 seconds

    Therefore,

    165 = x/0.97 + x/4.17

    Or, x(1/0.97 + 1/4.17) = 165

    Or, x*1.27 = 165

    Or, x = 165/1.27 = 130 (rounded to nearest whole number)

    Ans: 130 m rounded to nearest whole meter.


  2. (1) v1*t1=v2*t2

    4.17*t1=.97*t2

    (2) t1+t2=165

    4.17*(165-t2)=.97*t2

    688.05-4.17*t2=.97*t2

    688.05=5.14*t2

    t2=133.86

    t1=31.14

    d=v1*t1+v2*t2

  3. Somu has the correct working but I believe the downstream speed is 2.57 m/s as the swimmer is swimming at 0.97 m/s in non moving water. (by the way, it is relative to the water)

    This would then yield 232 m as the total distance covered.

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