Average Speed Calculation for Mixed Speeds

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the average speed of a trip where a person travels at different speeds for specified durations and includes a stop for lunch. The subject area pertains to kinematics and average speed calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the total distance traveled and questions the next steps after finding the distance. Some participants suggest finding the total travel time and dividing the distance by this time. Others express concerns about the calculated average speed, questioning the units used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with participants exploring different interpretations of the average speed calculation. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to convert time into hours for the calculation. There is no explicit consensus on the final average speed yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem statement, including the specific speeds and durations provided, as well as the inclusion of a stop for lunch. There is a noted confusion regarding the units of time used in the calculations.

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Homework Statement



A person travels at a constant speed of 66 miles per hour for 30 minutes, 27 miles per hour for 45 minutes, and stops for lunch for 20 minutes. Calculate the average speed for the entire trip (in miles per hour).


Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


66mph for 30mins= 33miles, 27mph for 4min= 20.25miles, and 0mph for 20min= 0miles

33+20.25+0= 53.25miles

What do I do after I have found this information?
 
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Find the total travel time and divide.
 
95min/53.25= 1.78mph... that seems to slow
 
What units was the time in the denominator expressed in?
 
divide 95 by 60 to get the answer in hours...

53.25miles/1.58hrs= 33.64mph
 

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