Just a few questions - calculating the average speed and John's speed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concepts of average speed and John's speed in the context of a distance-time graph. Participants are exploring the differences between calculating average speed and specific speeds at different segments of a journey, as well as how to determine displacement from a distance-time graph.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the distinction between John's speed as a weighted mean and average speed over the entire journey. Questions are raised about how to calculate displacement and whether it involves summing all sections of movement or considering the entire journey.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the definitions of average speed and John's speed, indicating a productive exchange of ideas. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the method for calculating displacement from the graph.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses urgency due to a homework deadline and the inability to consult their teacher, which may influence the nature of the discussion and the types of responses received.

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Normally I would ask my teacher, but since we had the day off and it's due the day we get back, I can't question him.

Homework Statement


What is the difference between calculating the average speed and John's speed (questions g and f)? and how do you find displacement for a distance-time graph (question f), do you just add all the sections where John is moving or do you do the whole journey?


Homework Equations


Speed = distance divided by time.
Displacement = velocity multiplied by time.


The Attempt at a Solution


I have only attempted f, because I just want to the know the difference between question g and f.
25+7=32-32=0.

Thanks in advance.
 
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In g, john's speed is the weighted mean of his speed in the different parts of his journey.
In h, john's average speed in the whole journey is the total displacement divided by the time of the journey.
 
LeonhardEu said:
In g, john's speed is the weighted mean of his speed in the different parts of his journey.
In h, john's average speed in the whole journey is the total displacement divided by the time of the journey.

Thank you for clearing up the difference, it is definitely appreciated.
 
You could have posted an upright image.My head is broken now. :cry:
 
adjacent said:
You could have posted an upright image.My head is broken now. :cry:

I'm sorry, I thought it was upright when I took it, but I think Tinypic must of changed it. :cry:
 

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