# Homework Help: Average speed homework

1. Sep 10, 2007

### lostfan176

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

What is its average speed during the first 35 s?

(Figure shows the displacement-time graph of a gerbil running inside a straight length of clear plastic tubing.)

2. Relevant equations

any

3. The attempt at a solution

2 m / 35 sec = .06
its wrong though

2. Sep 10, 2007

### bel

Since $$u_{average} = \frac{s_{total}}{t_{total}}$$, have to calculate the total distance travelled (not displacement), and divide it by the total time. To find the total distance, you would have to find the sum of the area under the curve.

3. Sep 10, 2007

### lostfan176

how would u do that like a triangle? h = 2 b = 35 A=35 its wrong:(

4. Sep 10, 2007

### learningphysics

Hmmm... seems to me like your original answer is right, but you didn't carry enough decimal places... maybe 0.0571m/s ?

5. Sep 10, 2007

### learningphysics

that would be for a v-t graph wouldn't it? not a d-t graph.

6. Sep 10, 2007

### lostfan176

thanks a lot i guess i wasnt suppose to round

7. Sep 10, 2007

### learningphysics

no prob. did the answer go through?