Final answer:
Paula traveled a total of 402.5 miles by driving at 65 mph for 3.5 hours and at 70 mph for 2.5 hours. If you drive at 70 mph for 2.5 hours, the distance traveled is 175 miles, which corresponds to answer choice D) 170 miles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves calculating the total distance Paula traveled during her trip, which is a problem involving average speed and time in relation to distance.
To find the total distance traveled by Paula, we calculate the distance for each segment of the trip separately and then add them together. For the first part, at an average speed of 65 mph for 3.5 hours:
Distance = Speed × Time
Distance = 65 mph × 3.5 hours = 227.5 miles
For the second part, at an average speed of 70 mph for 2.5 hours:
Distance = Speed × Time
Distance = 70 mph × 2.5 hours = 175 miles
The total distance traveled by Paula can be found by adding these two distances:
Total Distance = 227.5 miles + 175 miles = 402.5 miles
Regarding the second part of the question, if you drive 70 miles per hour for 2.5 hours, you travel:
Distance = Speed × Time
Distance = 70 mph × 2.5 hours = 175 miles
Therefore, the answer to the multiple-choice question is D) 170 miles, which is closest to the calculated distance of 175 miles.