Calculating Average Speed on a Road Trip | Physics Help for Beginners

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average speed of a driver on a road trip, given specific average speeds for two segments of the trip. The problem involves variables A and B, which represent values that affect the average speeds, and participants are exploring how to interpret and solve the problem based on these values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the values of A and B, questioning their roles in the problem. There are discussions about the time taken for each segment of the trip and how to convert total time from minutes to hours. Some participants express confusion about the formulation of the problem and the use of variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on unit conversions and the need for clarity in the problem statement. There is no explicit consensus on the final average speed, and participants are still working through the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original problem statement may lack clarity regarding the definitions of A and B, and there is a mention of the potential confusion caused by the way the problem is presented. The discussion reflects a range of understanding among participants, with some being new to physics.

  • #31
.807.

Why are you dividing this? I'm just trying to fully understand the problem for the test! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Lana Elcic said:
.807.

Why are you dividing this? I'm just trying to fully understand the problem for the test! :)
Bystander said:
48.4/60 = ?
 
  • #33
2 hrs is 120 min, 48.4 min. is .8xxx hrs. --- ?
 
  • #34
Bystander said:
2 hrs is 120 min, 48.4 min. is .8xxx hrs. --- ?

.8066
 
  • #35
Total time in hours is then what?
 
  • #36
Bystander said:
Total time in hours is then what?
2.8066?
 
  • #37
Lana Elcic said:
So is it just 140 km / 2.48 hr = 56.452?
Nope. Right idea.
Lana Elcic said:
Doesnt 168.4 minutes convert to 2.48 hours?
Nope.
Lana Elcic said:
2.8066?
... and the answer is ...?

Sorry about all the distractions. I know it's enough to rattle anyone. Couple or three things to remember: 1) try to post in the HW forum (for physics questions, anyway); 2) one step at a time; 3) re-read the question to be certain you're answering what's been asked; 4) pay attention to details, particularly when converting units (minutes to hours is something public schools haven't done correctly for ~ 20 years); 5) PF busy season has just started the last week or two, and there can be a lot of help that just isn't.
 
  • #38
Bystander said:
Nope. Right idea.

Nope.

... and the answer is ...?

Sorry about all the distractions. I know it's enough to rattle anyone. Couple or three things to remember: 1) try to post in the HW forum (for physics questions, anyway); 2) one step at a time; 3) re-read the question to be certain you're answering what's been asked; 4) pay attention to details, particularly when converting units (minutes to hours is something public schools haven't done correctly for ~ 20 years); 5) PF busy season has just started the last week or two, and there can be a lot of help that just isn't.

It's okay I understand. Just trying to focus. Is the answer 49.882?
 
  • #39
Lana Elcic said:
Round your final answer to three significant figures.
You're in business.
 
  • #40
Bystander said:
You're in business.
So 49.9!
Yayyyyyy!
 
  • #41
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
27
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K