Sun, a kayaker, paddles 8 miles upstream (against the current) in 2 hours. Returning to her original location, she paddles downstream (with the current) the same distance in 1 hour. The equations represent [tex]\( x \)[/tex], the paddling speed, and [tex]\( y \)[/tex], the speed of the current.

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
2(x-y)=a \\
b(x+y)=8
\end{array}
\][/tex]

Which are true? Select two options.
A. [tex]\( a=8 \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( b=8 \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( a=1 \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( b=1 \)[/tex]
E. [tex]\( a=b \)[/tex]



Answer :

Certainly, let's carefully analyze the given situation and equations. Sun is paddling upstream and downstream with the following details:

1. Distance to paddle upstream: 8 miles
2. Time taken to paddle upstream: 2 hours
3. Distance to paddle downstream: 8 miles
4. Time taken to paddle downstream: 1 hour

We are given two equations involving the paddling speed [tex]\( x \)[/tex] and the current speed [tex]\( y \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 2(x - y) = a \][/tex]
[tex]\[ b(x + y) = 8 \][/tex]

First, let's determine the speeds:

### Determining the Speeds

The effective speed going upstream (against the current) is:
[tex]\[ x - y = \frac{8 \text{ miles}}{2 \text{ hours}} = 4 \text{ mph} \][/tex]

The effective speed going downstream (with the current) is:
[tex]\[ x + y = \frac{8 \text{ miles}}{1 \text{ hour}} = 8 \text{ mph} \][/tex]

### Using the Equations

Now, let's substitute these effective speeds into the given equations to find [tex]\( a \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b \)[/tex]:

#### Equation 1
[tex]\[ 2(x - y) = a \][/tex]
Since [tex]\( x - y = 4 \)[/tex],
[tex]\[ 2(4) = a \][/tex]
[tex]\[ a = 8 \][/tex]

#### Equation 2
[tex]\[ b(x + y) = 8 \][/tex]
Since [tex]\( x + y = 8 \)[/tex],
[tex]\[ b(8) = 8 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ b = 1 \][/tex]

### Verifying the True Statements

We now verify which of the given statements are correct:
1. [tex]\( a = 8 \)[/tex] → True
2. [tex]\( b = 8 \)[/tex] → False
3. [tex]\( a = 1 \)[/tex] → False
4. [tex]\( b = 1 \)[/tex] → True
5. [tex]\( a = b \)[/tex] → False (since [tex]\( a = 8 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b = 1 \)[/tex])

Therefore, the correct options are:
- [tex]\( a = 8 \)[/tex]
- [tex]\( b = 1 \)[/tex]

Thus, the true statements are:
[tex]\[ a = 8 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ b = 1 \][/tex]