Motion Problem, Find Average Speed

[circuscircus]

Homework Statement

Julie drives 100mi to Grandmother's house. On the way to Granmothers, Julie drives half the distance at 40mph and half the distance at 60mph. On the returntrip, she drives half the time at 40mph and half at 60mph.

What is her average speed on the return trip?

Homework Equations

v = v[0] + a dt
s[f] = s[0] + v[0] dt + 1/2 a dt^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I need to find the time first I think and then do .5*40t + .5*60t but I'm not sure how to find t

 

[mgb_phys]

You know speed, time and distance - nobody mentioned acceleration so you only need s = vt.
Draw a sketch of the various distances, speeds and times - it will help you understand what you are trying to find.
As a general tip - don't hit the equations until you know what you are trying to find!

 

[circuscircus]

s1 + s2 = 100

s1 = 1/2 * 40 t
s2 = 1/2 * 60 t

s1 = 100-s2




100 - s2 = 1/2 *40 t
s2 = 1/2 * 60 t


s2 = - 1/2 *40 t + 100
s2 = 1/2 * 60 t


-20t + 100 = 30t

10t = 100
t=10


(5*40 + 5*60 ) /10
(200+300)/10 = 50 mph

So basically like this?

 

[learningphysics]

Was confused by your work... can you describe your steps. You need to find the total time taken. Average speed = total distance/total time = 200/total time.