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Average Speed

[poll id=”65″]

ANSWER: B. 58.4 mph

This type of question is a typical one to be seen in QR.

Speed is equivalent to distance over time: Speed = (Distance/Time).

The total distance of this trip is 150+150=300 miles

Break down the question into 2 components, one for each speed and distance traveled.

First 150 miles:

Time = (Distance / Speed) = (150/70)=2.14 hours

Second 150 miles:

Time= (Distance / Speed) = (150/50)=3.0 hours

Total time is therefore: 2.14+3.0=5.14 hours

Thus, returning back to the Speed=(distance/time)

Speed=(Distance/Time)=(300 miles)/(5.14 hours)= 58.4 miles per hour