SUMMARY
The average speed of a motorist traveling 30 miles at 60 miles per hour and then 60 miles at 30 miles per hour is definitively calculated to be 36 miles per hour. The total distance covered is 90 miles, and the total time taken is 2.5 hours, derived from 0.5 hours for the first segment and 2 hours for the second. This calculation confirms that the average speed is obtained by dividing the total distance by the total time.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of basic speed, distance, and time relationships
- Familiarity with the formula for average speed
- Basic arithmetic operations
- Knowledge of unit conversions (if applicable)
NEXT STEPS
- Review the formula for average speed: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
- Practice solving similar problems involving average speed calculations
- Explore the concept of weighted averages in speed calculations
- Learn about real-world applications of average speed in traffic analysis
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics or mathematics, educators teaching speed and distance concepts, and anyone interested in understanding average speed calculations in real-world scenarios.