Question 993724: An airplane flies 750 miles due west in 1.5 hours and 750 miles due south in 2 hours. What is the average speed of the airplane?
My teacher said to use
M=
(rate of going)(time of going)+(rate of return)(time of return)
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Time of going+ time of return
First we are supposed to find the trip rates which is d=rt
I attempted this problem but I don't think I did it right or I didn't do something would you please show me the steps to solve this problem? It would help a lot please and thank you.
Found 2 solutions by solver91311, josmiceli:
Answer by solver91311(24713)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your teacher's suggestion for this problem, while not technically incorrect, is certainly an unnecessary trip around Robin Hood's barn.
Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time it took to travel that distance. Your teacher's formula certainly does that. However, you are given distance and time for each of the legs of the trip, so in order to calculate the rate for each leg you would have to divide the distance by the rate, and then use that rate times the time for each leg to find the distance for each leg. You would be doing two divisions and two multiplications to find two numbers you already have in the statement of the problem. Sort of like buying a car, taking it apart, and then reassembling it so that you will have something to drive.
Average rate is simply the sum of the two distances given divided by the sum of the two times given.
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
Answer by josmiceli(19441)  (Show Source):
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