Final answer:
The basketball player's average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance of 45 meters by the total time of 10 seconds, resulting in an average speed of 4.5 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the average speed of the basketball player, we need to consider the total distance traveled and the total time taken. The player sprints forward 30 meters in 3 seconds and jogs back 15 meters in 7 seconds. Therefore, the total distance is 30 meters + 15 meters = 45 meters, and the total time is 3 seconds + 7 seconds = 10 seconds.
The formula for average speed is total distance divided by total time. So, the calculation is:
Average Speed = Total Distance ÷ Total Time
Average Speed = 45 meters ÷ 10 seconds
Average Speed = 4.5 meters per second (m/s)
The average speed of the basketball player is 4.5 m/s.