The distance between the piers on the river is 240 km. Two steamers set off from them simultaneously to meet each other.

The distance between the piers on the river is 240 km. Two steamers set off from them simultaneously to meet each other. The own speed of each of them is 20 km / h. How many hours will the steamers meet if the river speed is 3 km / h.

The own speed of the first steamer is 20 km / h, if it sails against the current of the river, then its speed will be lower. Knowing that the speed of the river is 3 km / h, we find what the speed of the steamer will be equal to, which is sailing against the river.
20 – 3 = 17 km / h.
The own speed of the second steamer, which is sailing to meet the first, is also 20 km / h, if it is sailing from the other side, then it is floating with the flow. Let’s find what the speed of a steamer is equal to, which floats along the river.
20 + 3 = 23 km / h.
Let’s find the total speed of the two steamers.
17 + 23 = 40 km / h.
If we know that the distance between the steamers was 240 km, and the speed of both steamers was 40 km / h, we find how long the steamers will meet.
240/40 = 6 hours.
Answer: The steamers will meet in 6 hours.