Question 840399
To solve, we need to set this problem up as an equation.  We know that you went 12 miles in 2 hours and 40 minutes.  So, let's first convert 2 hours and 40 minutes to just minutes.  2 hours and 40 minutes = 160 minutes.  Now, we can set this up as an equation:


12/160 = x/60


In essence, this equation is asking the following:  Going 12 miles per 160 minutes is equal to going x miles per 60 minutes.


To solve, multiply 12 by 60, set that on one side of the equal sign, then multiply 160 by x and set that on the other side of the equal sign.  It will look like the following:


12 x 60 = 160x ----->


720 = 160x


Dividing both sides by 160 will give you your average rate of speed:


4.5 = x


Therefore, your rate of speed is 4.5 miles per hour.