A automotive test driver travels due north in a prototype hybrid vehicle at 30 mi/h for 2 hours. She then reverses her direction and travels due south at 60 mi/h for 1 hour.
-What is the average speed of the vehicle?
A)zero mi/h
B)30 mi/h
C)40 mi/h
D)50 mi/h
E)60 mi/h

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the average speed of the vehicle, we need to use the formula:

Average speed = total distance / total time

The distance traveled north and south are equal since the driver returns to the starting point. Thus, we can find the total distance by doubling the distance traveled north, which is:

distance = speed × time
distance = 30 mi/h × 2 h
distance = 60 miles

The total time is the sum of the times traveled north and south:

total time = 2 h + 1 h
total time = 3 hours

Now we can plug in the values to find the average speed:

Average speed = total distance / total time
Average speed = 2 × 60 miles / 3 hours
Average speed = 40 mi/h

Therefore, the answer is choice C, 40 mi/h.

A Automotive Test Driver Travels Due North in a Prototype