A bus travels 120 km at a speed of 60 km/h and returns at a speed of 40 km/h. Wh

A bus travels 120 km at a speed of 60 km/h and returns at a speed of 40 km/h. What is the average speed for the entire trip? (2023)

A bus travels 120 km at a speed of 60 km/h and returns at a speed of 40 km/h. What is the average speed for the entire trip? (2023)

Step 1: Calculate the time taken for the first part of the trip. The bus travels 120 km at a speed of 60 km/h. Use the formula: Time = Distance / Speed. So, Time = 120 km / 60 km/h = 2 hours.
Step 2: Calculate the time taken for the return trip. The bus travels the same distance of 120 km at a speed of 40 km/h. Use the same formula: Time = Distance / Speed. So, Time = 120 km / 40 km/h = 3 hours.
Step 3: Add the time taken for both parts of the trip to find the total time. Total time = Time for first part + Time for return = 2 hours + 3 hours = 5 hours.
Step 4: Calculate the total distance traveled. The bus travels 120 km to the destination and 120 km back. Total distance = 120 km + 120 km = 240 km.
Step 5: Calculate the average speed for the entire trip. Use the formula: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time. So, Average Speed = 240 km / 5 hours = 48 km/h.

Average Speed Calculation – The average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken for the trip.
Time Calculation – Understanding how to calculate time based on distance and speed is crucial for solving the problem.
Round Trip Consideration – Recognizing that the trip consists of two parts with different speeds is essential for accurate calculations.