Avg. Velocity = Distance Traveled / Time Traveled

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the equivalence of two formulas for average velocity: Avg. Velocity = Distance Traveled / Time Traveled and Avg. Velocity = (V1 + V2) / 2, where V1 and V2 represent velocities over different segments. The user calculates average velocity for a plane's journey using both formulas and finds them equal under constant velocity conditions. However, a critical point raised is that this equivalence may not hold if the velocities are not constant, as demonstrated by a different example where the plane travels varying distances in different times. The conclusion suggests that while the formulas can yield the same result under specific conditions, they are not universally interchangeable, particularly when velocity changes.
incognito301
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Do you know if these two formulas are the same?

Avg. Velocity = Distance Traveled / Time Traveled

&

Avg. Velocity = V1 + V2 / 2 (V1 = d1/t1 & V2 = d2/t2)

I have a problem that says that a plain goes from a place to another(1) and from there it goes to another place (2).

So:

t1 = 3 h & d1 = 375 km
t2 = 2 h & d2 = 250 km

and using both of the formulas I get the same Average Velocity.
So:

Formula 1 = (375/3 + 250/2)/2 = 125 m/s
.......... ----> Formula 1 = Formula 2
Formula 2 = (375 + 250)/(3+2) = 125 m/s
So I'm guessing they are the same. But my science teacher says they're not.

Do you agree with my teacher? How come?

If you think its right, can you show me a mathematical way to prove it?

Thanks.

P.S. Please answer ASAP.
 
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You are only getting away with Formula 1 because the velocity is constant in your example. What if it wasn't constant?

Say the plane moved a distance of 300 km in 2 hours, then an additional 300 km in 1 hour. Compare your formulas in this case.
 
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