Fisherman rowing upstream and downstream

A fisherman can row upstream at 1 mph and downstream at 4 mph. He started rowing upstream until he got tired and then rowed downstream to his starting point. How far did the fisherman row if the entire trip took 6 ​hours?

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distance = rate x time
or 
d = rt

However, the information given includes the rates and the total time of the trip.
So, solve the formula, d = rt for t (time).  You'll see why in a little bit!

d = rt {distance, rate, time formula}
t = d/r  {solved for t.....time equals distance divided by rate}

Now, apply that to what is given to you.

d = distance the point he got tired {which is the same distance upstream and downstream}

Remember, t = d/r  {the time is the distance divided by the rate}
d/1 + d/4 = 6  {the two times are d/1 and d/4....distance divided by rate}
4d + d = 24   {multiplied entire equation by 4 to eliminate fractions}
5d = 24   {combined like terms}
d = 4.8  {divided by 5}

distance upstream was 4.8
distance downstream was 4.8

Total distance = 9.6 miles
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