How to Calculate Average Speed

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Assess what information you are given.

   Use this method if you know: the total distance covered by one person or vehicle; and the total time it took that person or vehicle to cover the distance.
   
   For example:
   If Ben traveled 150 miles in 3 hours, what was his average speed?
2. 2

   Step 2: Set up the formula for speed.

   The formula is S=dt{\displaystyle S={\frac {d}{t}}}, where S{\displaystyle S} equals the average speed, d{\displaystyle d} equals the total distance, and t{\displaystyle t} equals the total time., Remember to substitute for the variable d{\displaystyle d}.
   
   For example, if Ben drives 150 total miles, your formula will look like this:
   S=150t{\displaystyle S={\frac {150}{t}}}. , Remember to substitute for the variable t{\displaystyle t}.
   
   For example, if Ben drives for 3 hours, your formula will look like this:
   S=1503{\displaystyle S={\frac {150}{3}}}. , This will give you the average speed per unit of time, usually hour.
   
   For example:
   S=1503{\displaystyle S={\frac {150}{3}}}S=50{\displaystyle S=50}So, if Ben traveled 150 miles in 3 hours, his average speed is 50 miles per hour.
3. 3

   Step 3: Plug the distance into the formula.

4. 4

   Step 4: Plug the time into the formula.

5. 5

   Step 5: Divide the distance by the time.

Detailed Guide

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