Question

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 $x$, the paddling speed and $y$, the speed of the current.
$2(x - y) = a$
$b(x + y) = 8$
which are true? select two options.
$square$ $a = 8$
$square$ $b = 8$
$square$ $a = 1$
$square$ $b = 1$
$square$ $a = b$

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze upstream equation

The upstream distance is 8 miles, so $a=8$ (since $2(x-y)$ equals total distance).

Step2: Analyze downstream equation

The downstream time is 1 hour, so $b=1$ (since $b$ is the time in $b(x+y)=8$).

Answer:

A. $a = 8$
D. $b = 1$