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PLZ HELP!!

A car travels from A to B at a speed of 40 mph then returns, using the same road, from B to A at a speed of 60 mph. What is the average speed for the round trip?

User JustTrying
by
6.1k points

2 Answers

1 vote
48 mph

The answer is not 50 mph, as the time it takes to get there is not going to be 1/2 of the time 40 mph, and 1/2 of the time 60 mph, rather 40 mph will take up 3/5 of the trip and 60 mph will take up 2/5 of the trip (as when you go at 60 mph, you will reach the destination sooner compared to 40 mph).

120/40 = 3
120/60 = 2

Because of speed differences, this means that the answer is 48

40 * 3/5 = 24
60 * 2/5 = 24

24 + 24 = 48

I know it seems confusing but I hope you understand!
User Amiekuser
by
6.3k points
6 votes
60 mph + 40mph = 100 mph
100 mph / 2 trips = 50 mph
User Bill DeRose
by
7.1k points
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