Final answer:
To calculate the new trip duration, the total distance of 450 miles is divided by the new mean speed of 45 mph, resulting in a 10 hour travel time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how long a bus trip would take at a different average speed. To solve this, first calculate the total distance of the trip using the original speed and travel time. If the bus travels for 9 hours at 50 miles per hour, the distance can be calculated as:
Distance = Speed × Time = 50 mph × 9 hours = 450 miles.
Now, to find the time it takes to travel the same distance at a mean speed of 45 miles per hour, use the formula:
Time = Distance ⁄ Speed
Substituting the given values:
Time = 450 miles ⁄ 45 mph = 10 hours.
So, the trip would take 10 hours if the mean speed of the bus is 45 miles per hour.