In the given question there are several important information's provide.Based on them the speed of the boat in still water needs to be found.Firstly it is given that the speed of the stream is 2 mph. The boat travels for a distance of 12 miles upstream and 16 miles downstream in the same time.
Let us assume the speed of the boat = x
Then upstream speed = x - 2
Downstream speed = x + 2
Since time in this case is equal
So
12/(x - 2) = 16/(x + 2)
12(x + 2) = 16(x - 2)
12x + 24 = 16x - 32
- 4x = - 56
x = 14
So the speed of the boat in still water is 14 mph
