Let the speed of the current be = R
Speed with current = 20 + R
Speed against current = 20 - R
And....... Distance / Rate Time
So
21 / (20 + R) + 21 / ( 20 - R) = 2.5 simplify
21 ( 20 - R) + 21(20 + R) = 2.5 ( 20 + R) (20 - R)
420 + 420 = 2.5 ( 400 - R^2)
840 = 2.5 (400 - R^2) divide both sides by 2.5
336 = 400 - R^2
R^2 = 400 - 336
R^2 = 64 take the positive root
R = sqrt (64) = 8 ( mph)
