How Far Downstream Will a Swimmer Land in a River Current?

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A swimmer aims to cross a 75 m-wide river with a current of 0.40 m/s while swimming at 0.35 m/s. To determine how far downstream she will land, the swimmer's horizontal and vertical velocities must be analyzed independently. The time to cross the river can be calculated using the equation for distance, leading to a time of approximately 4.63 seconds. Using the swimmer's speed and the current, the downstream distance can be calculated. Understanding that horizontal and vertical motions are independent is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Diver question..im so confused :(

Homework Statement



A swimmer is capable of swimming 0.35 m/s in still water.
(a) If she aims her body directly across a 75 m-wide river whose current is 0.40 m/s, how far downstream (from a point opposite her starting point) will she land?
m
(b) How long will it take her to reach the other side?
s


Homework Equations



I think I could use D= do+Vit+1/2at^2
and a^2+b^2=c^2

The Attempt at a Solution



75=3.5(t)+t^2
t=4.629

3.5^2+0.4^2=c^2
c=3.5227

ahh.. I am so confusedddd
 
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Hint: Horizontal and vertical velocities are independent of each other.

Finding the answer to (b) first might prove easier.
 
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