Final answer:
Secretariat's average speed during the Kentucky Derby was calculated by dividing the distance run by the time taken. With a distance of 2,011.68 meters and a time of 119.4 seconds, the average speed was 16.85 m/s, which rounded to three significant figures is 16.8 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1973, Secretariat was the winning horse in the Kentucky Derby, with a remarkable performance running 2,011.68 meters in 119.4 seconds. To calculate the average speed of Secretariat, we use the formula:
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Plugging in the values:
Speed = 2,011.68 m ÷ 119.4 s = 16.85 m/s
Since both the distance and time were given with at least three significant figures, the average speed should also be reported with three significant figures.
The correct answer with the right number of significant figures is: 16.8 m/s