If Rahul rows 15 km upstream in 3 hours and 21 km downstream in 3 hours, then the speed of the stream is

Answer: Option A

Explanation:

It is very important to check, if the boat speed given is in still water or with water or against water. Because if we neglect it we will not reach on right answer. I just mentioned here because mostly mistakes in this chapter are of this kind only.

Lets see the question now.
Speed downstream = (16 + 5) = 21 kmph

Time = distance/speed = 84/21 = 4 hours

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Let the speed of the stream be x km/hr. Then,
Speed downstream = (15 + x) km/hr,
Speed upstream = (15 - x) km/hr

So we know from question that it took 4(1/2)hrs to travel back to same point.

So,
\begin{aligned}
\frac{30}{15+x} - \frac{30}{15-x} = 4\frac{1}{2} \\
=> \frac{900}{225 - x^2} = \frac{9}{2} \\
=> 9x^2 = 225 \\
=> x = 5 km/hr
\end{aligned}

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Please remember,
If a is rate downstream and b is rate upstream
Rate in still water = 1/2(a+b)
Rate of current = 1/2(a-b)

=> Rate in still water = 1/2(20+10) = 15 kmph
=> Rate of current = 1/2(20-10) = 5 kmph

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Rate upstream = (15/3) kmph
Rate downstream (21/3) kmph = 7 kmph.
Speed of stream (1/2)(7 - 5)kmph = 1 kmph

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Let the distance is x km
Rate downstream = 5 + 1 = 6 kmph
Rate upstream = 5 - 1 = 4 kmph
then
x/6 + x/4 = 1 [because distance/speed = time]
=> 2x + 3x = 12
=> x = 12/5 = 2.4 km