Average speed of person walking problem

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SUMMARY

A person walks from point A to point B at a speed of 5 m/s and returns at 3 m/s. The average speed for the entire trip is calculated using the formula for average speed: total distance traveled divided by total time. The total distance is 2d (where d is the distance from A to B), and the total time is (d/5) + (d/3). The average speed is determined to be 3.75 m/s, while the average velocity is 0 m/s since the starting and ending positions are the same.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of average speed and average velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of distance, speed, and time relationships
  • Ability to manipulate fractions and common denominators
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive average speed formulas in different scenarios
  • Explore the concept of average velocity in one-dimensional motion
  • Study the implications of speed variations on average speed calculations
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple segments of travel at different speeds
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Students studying physics, particularly in kinematics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding average speed and velocity calculations.

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Homework Statement



A person walks first at a constant speed 5m/s along a straight line from point A to point B, and then back along the line from B to A at a constant speed 3m/s. (a) What is her average speed over the entire trip? (b) Her average velocity over the entire trip?

Homework Equations



Average speed = total distance traveled / total time

The Attempt at a Solution



(b) is obviously 0 since start and end positions are the same. For (a), the book gives the answer 3.75m/s. No idea how this came about. Since no time was given, how do you get this answer?
 
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xzibition8612 said:

Homework Statement



A person walks first at a constant speed 5m/s along a straight line from point A to point B, and then back along the line from B to A at a constant speed 3m/s. (a) What is her average speed over the entire trip? (b) Her average velocity over the entire trip?

Homework Equations



Average speed = total distance traveled / total time

The Attempt at a Solution



(b) is obviously 0 since start and end positions are the same. For (a), the book gives the answer 3.75m/s. No idea how this came about. Since no time was given, how do you get this answer?
The average speed is (total distance)/(total time).

If you let d = the distance from A to B, what expression represents the time for her to go from A to B?
What expression represents the time for her to make the return trip?
 
d/5 = time from A to B
d/3 = time from B to A

k i figured it out thanks for ur help
 

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