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In Physics / High School | 2025-07-08

A train travels from city A to city B. It leaves A at 10:30 AM and arrives at B at 1:15 PM. The distance between the cities is 142 miles. What was the average speed of the train in miles per hour (mph)? For example, if the average speed is 50 mph, simply enter 50.

The average speed is ______ miles per hour.

Asked by Miguel63261

Answer (2)

To find the average speed of the train, we can use the formula for average speed, which is given by:
Average Speed = Total Time Total Distance ​ .
Let's break down the steps to solve this problem:

Determine the total distance traveled by the train: The distance between city A and city B is 142 miles.

Calculate the total time taken for the journey: The train leaves city A at 10:30 AM and arrives at city B at 1:15 PM. To find the total travel time, we calculate the difference between the start and end times:

Start time: 10:30 AM
End time: 1:15 PM

First, find the hours between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM:

From 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM is 1 hour.
From 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM is another hour.
From 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM is half an hour (0.5 hours).

Add the extra 15 minutes to reach 1:15 PM:

15 minutes is 0.25 hours.

Total time is: 1 + 1 + 0.5 + 0.25 = 2.75 hours .

Calculate the average speed: Now, use the formula for average speed:
Average Speed = 2.75 hours 142 miles ​ ≈ 51.64 mph .


The average speed of the train is approximately 51.64 miles per hour.

Answered by DanielJosephParker | 2025-07-22

The train travels a distance of 142 miles from city A to city B in 2.75 hours. The average speed is calculated to be approximately 51.64 miles per hour. Thus, the average speed of the train is about 51.64 mph.
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Answered by DanielJosephParker | 2025-08-26