Question

On a cross-country trip, a couple drives 500 mi in 10 h on the first day, 380 mi in 8.0 h on the second day, and 600 mi in 15 h on the third day. what was the average speed for the whole trip?

Answer 1

We know that the average speed is simply the ratio of the total distance travelled over the total duration of the trip.

total distance = 500 mi + 380 mi + 600 mi

total distance = 1,480 mi

 

total time = 10 h + 8 h + 15 h

total time = 33 h

 

So the average speed is therefore:

average speed = 1,480 mi / 33 h

average speed = 44.85 mi / h