How to Calculate the Average Speed of a Bus: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Calculating the average speed of a bus journey is a fundamental concept in transportation and can be particularly useful when planning routes or assessing travel times. In this article, we explore the calculation of the average speed of a bus covering a 130 km distance with specific time segments, and we discuss different methods for calculating speed, ensuring clear and accurate results.

Understanding Average Speed

Average speed is a measure of the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken. It is an essential metric in transportation planning and helps in optimizing travel times and efficiency.

Calculation Method 1: Basic Formula

The basic formula for calculating average speed is:

Speed Distance / Time

Given:
Total distance 70 km 60 km 130 km
Total time 40 minutes 30 minutes 70 minutes 70/60 hours 7/6 hours

We can now calculate the average speed:

Average speed Total distance / Total time 130 km / (7/6 hours) 130 km * (6/7) 780/7 km/h 111.43 km/h

This calculation provides us with a precise average speed of the bus over the total journey distance.

Calculation Method 2: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Let's break down the calculation step-by-step:

First, we add the distances to determine the total distance: 70 km 60 km 130 km Next, we add the times to find the total time, converting 40 minutes and 30 minutes into a common unit (hours): 40 minutes 30 minutes 70 minutes 70/60 hours 7/6 hours Finally, we apply the speed formula: Average speed 130 km / (7/6 hours) 130 km * (6/7) 780/7 km/h ≈ 111.43 km/h

Calculation Method 3: Simplified Approach

Let's consider an alternative and simpler approach:

We are given a total distance of 70 km in 40 minutes and 60 km in 30 minutes. To convert the total time to hours, we use the conversion factor from minutes to hours (1 hour 60 minutes): Total time 70 minutes 30 minutes 100 minutes 100/60 hours 5/3 hours We can then apply the speed formula: Average speed Total distance / Total time 130 km / (5/3 hours) 130 km * (3/5) 390/5 km/h 78 km/h

Conclusion

Calculating the average speed of a bus journey involves understanding the relationship between distance and time. By using the appropriate formulas and methodologies, we can accurately determine the average speed, ensuring efficient planning and assessment of travel times.

Key Takeaways:

Distance: 130 km Total time: 70/60 hours 7/6 hours Average speed: 111.43 km/h

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