Solve Average Speed Problem: How to Qualify for a Race with Engine Trouble?

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SUMMARY

The average speed problem discussed involves a racecar driver needing to average 200 km/h over four laps, but due to engine trouble, the car only averages 170 km/h for the first two laps. To qualify, the driver must maintain an average speed of approximately 243 km/h for the last two laps. The correct approach involves using the formula for average velocity, Vavg = (d1 + d2) / (t1 + t2), rather than averaging the speeds of individual laps. The final calculated speed of 242.8658 km/h rounds to 243 km/h, adhering to significant figure rules.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of average speed and average velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with basic algebraic equations
  • Knowledge of significant figures in calculations
  • Basic understanding of distance, time, and speed relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formula for average velocity in detail
  • Learn how to apply significant figures in calculations
  • Practice solving similar average speed problems with varying conditions
  • Explore the implications of constant acceleration on average speed
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in physics or mathematics, particularly those tackling problems involving average speed and velocity, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

majinknight
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Hi I am having problem with this question and keep getting the wrong answer.

1. A racecar driver must average 200km/h for four laps to qualify for a race. Because of engine trouble, the car averages only 170km/h over the first two laps. What average speed must be maintained for the last two laps?

Ok what i had done is this:

200=(170 +x)/2
x=230km/h
Well my teacher said this is wrong and that we need to think of this question in terms of Vavg=(d1 +d2)/(t1+t2) to figure it out but i don't understand how to do that since we don't have time or distance. Apparently we are to try and think of an equation that will have constant terms cancelling each other out to get the right answer but i can't figure it out. If anyone could show me how to do this question i would appreciate it greatly!
 
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Consider for simplicity that one lap is 200Km long...(Though it sounds unreasonably more).Then u can compute times,distances & average velocities.
Question:What is then (in this simple numerical case) the condition to qualify...??

Daniel.
 
Remember, average speed is distance/time.
 
To be more strict,average velocity is total distance divded by total time and NOT THE AVERAGE OF VELOCITIES ON PARTS OF THE TRAJECTORY...

Do the calculations for the # that I've offered...

Daniel.
 
The answer should be roughly 243Km/h...


Daniel.
 
Ok you i figured out what u meant and i got an answer of 242.8658km/h so you thanks, i understand completely now.
 
majinknight said:
Ok you i figured out what u meant and i got an answer of 242.8658km/h so you thanks, i understand completely now.

Careful with sigfigs though.
 
vsage said:
Careful with sigfigs though.

He probably rounded the result and wound up with 7 sign.figures.Seriously now,if the velocities are given with 3 sign.figures,then the result must be given with the same accuracy.Therefore 243Kmhr^{-1} is the correct one.

Daniel.
 
Oh don't worry i have my significiant digits correct, like i didnt write them correct on here but on my sheet i have them correct.
 

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