What Is the Average Speed of a Motorist Traveling Different Speeds?

[rcmango]

Homework Statement

a motorist travels at 30 miles at 60 miles per hr, and then 60 miles at 30 miles per hr.

what is the average speed

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I have tried to set this up and i get every answer, except 36 m/hr, can you please point me the equation set up! thanks.

 

[rcmango]

nevermind, i already posted this and i saw the thread on how to do it.

its the distance of 90, divided by .5 hrs + 2hrs which is 36 miles per hour.


sorry for the double post.

 

[ogb p]

To calculate the average speed of the motorist, we can use the formula: average speed = total distance / total time.

In this scenario, the total distance traveled is 90 miles (30 miles + 60 miles) and the total time is 2 hours (1 hour + 1 hour).

Therefore, the average speed would be 90 miles / 2 hours = 45 miles per hour.

It is important to note that the average speed is not simply the average of the two given speeds (60 miles per hour and 30 miles per hour). Instead, it takes into account the total distance and total time traveled.

I am not sure what equations you have tried to set up, but using the formula above should give you the correct answer of 45 miles per hour for the average speed of the motorist. I hope this helps!