In this article, we will describe the boats and streams topic concept, how to solve the problems, significant formulas, and some sample questions to help you understand the problem in the topic.

The four terms listed below are crucial for a candidate to understand the notion of streams.

Stream – The running water in a river is known as a stream.
Upstream  – Upstream refers to a boat that is flowing in the opposite direction of the stream. In this scenario, the boat’s net speed is known as the upstream speed.
Downstream – A boat that flows in the same direction as the stream is referred to as downstream. In this scenario, the boat’s net speed is called downstream speed.
Still Water – Under these conditions, the water is considered immobile and has no motion.

Upstream & Downstream: Formula

• Upstream = (u – v) km/hr, where “u” is the boat’s speed on still water and “v” is the speed of the stream.
• Downstream = (u+v) km/hr, where “u” is the boat’s speed in still water and “v” is the speed of the stream.
• The formula for calculating the speed of a boat in still water is  ½ (downstream speed + upstream speed).
• Speed of Stream = ½ (Downstream Speed – Upstream Speed).
• The average speed of a boat is calculated by dividing the upstream and downstream speeds by the boat’s speed in still water.

If a boat takes “t” hours to reach a spot in still water and returns to the same point, the distance between the two points can be determined by Distance = {(u²-v²) × t} / 2u, where “u” is the speed of the boat and “v” is the speed of the stream.

The formula for distance is: Distance = {(u²-v²) × t} / 2v, where “u” is the speed of the boat on still water and “v” is the speed of the stream. If it takes “t” hours more to travel upstream than downstream for the same distance,

If a boat travels downstream in “t₁” hours and returns upstream in “t₂” hours, the speed of the man in still water is calculated as: Speed of Man in Still Water = [v × {(t₂+t₁) / (t₂-t₁)}]. km/hr, where “v” represents the speed of the stream.

Tips and Tricks for Solving Boats and Streams Questions

• The following are a few methods to help you solve the boat and stream questions from the quantitative aptitude section faster and without making any mistakes:
• The first and most significant recommendation is for a candidate to memorize the important formulas in order to successfully answer the questions. Memorizing the formulas will help candidates answer simple questions without making any mistakes.
• Do not be confused between the concept of upstream and downstream, since the question may not expressly mention the two phrases and instead specify “in the direction of flow” or “against the direction of flow.”
• Reading the questions attentively can help candidates avoid making dumb mistakes, therefore do not be in a hurry when reading the guidelines stated in the article.
• Do not be alarmed by the length of the question or the phrases used in the question, as boat and stream questions asked in government exams are usually straightforward and not overly difficult. It is merely the formation of the question that makes it seem hard.

Practice Quizzes

Sample Questions: Boats and Streams

Q1. The downstream speed of a boat is 5 km/hr more than its upstream speed and the ratio of the speed of the boat in still water to the speed of the stream is 19: 5. Find the total time taken by boat to travel 42 km downstream and 31.5 km upstream?

(a) 7 ½ hr
(b) 8 hr
(c) 9 hr
(d) 9 ½ hr
(e) 10 hr

Ans.(b)

Q2. If the sum of upstream and downstream speed is 36 km/hr and the speed of the current is 3km/hr. Then find time taken to cover 52.5 km in downward?

(a) 2 hr
(b) 2.5 hr
(c) 3 hr
(d) 3.5 hr
(e) 4 hr

Ans.(b)
Sol. Let the speed of boat in still water be x km/hr
ATQ
𝑥+3+𝑥−3=36
𝑥=18
Required time=52.5/21=2.5 ℎ𝑟

Q3. Speed of current is 25% of speed of boat in still water, if boat travelled 45 km downstream and returned back in total 12 hr. then find speed of boat in still water?

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat and Stream

Q. How do you answer boats and streams questions?
Formulas for Boat-and-Stream Questions
Speed downstream is (u + v) km/hr.
Speed upstream is (u – v) km/hr.
Speed in still water equals (a + b) / 2 km/hr.
Stream rate equals (a – b)/2 km/hr.

Q. What is the formula for boats and streams?
Formulas for upstream and downstream problems.

In still water, a boat’s speed is equal to ½ of its downstream and upstream speeds combined. Downstream = (u+v) km/h. The average boat speed is calculated as {(Upstream Speed x Upstream Speed)/Boat Speed in Still Water}. Stream speed equals ½ (Downstream Speed – Upstream Speed).

Q. What are the many sorts of boats and streams?
The concept of a stream refers to the movement of water in a river.
Upstream refers to a boat that is flowing in the opposite direction of the stream.
Downstream – A boat that flows in the same direction as the stream is referred to as downstream.

In still water, a boat's speed is equal to ½ of its downstream and upstream speeds combined. Downstream = (u+v) km/h. The average boat speed is calculated as {(Upstream Speed x Upstream Speed)/Boat Speed in Still Water}. Stream speed equals ½ (Downstream Speed - Upstream Speed)." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the many sorts of boats and streams?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The concept of a stream refers to the movement of water in a river. Upstream refers to a boat that is flowing in the opposite direction of the stream. Downstream - A boat that flows in the same direction as the stream is referred to as downstream." } }] }