Math Problem Statement

A covers 1/3 rd of his journey at a speed of 10km/hr; half of the remaining at a speed of 15km/hr and the remaining at a speed of 30km/hr. What is the average speed of A?

Solution

To find the average speed of A for the entire journey, we need to calculate the total distance and the total time taken for the journey.

Let's denote the total distance of the journey by DD.

  1. First part of the journey:

    • Distance covered: 13D\frac{1}{3}D
    • Speed: 10 km/hr
    • Time taken: Time1=13D10=D30\text{Time}_1 = \frac{\frac{1}{3}D}{10} = \frac{D}{30} hours
  2. Second part of the journey:

    • Distance covered: 12\frac{1}{2} of the remaining distance
    • Remaining distance after first part: D13D=23DD - \frac{1}{3}D = \frac{2}{3}D
    • Distance covered in this part: 12×23D=13D\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{2}{3}D = \frac{1}{3}D
    • Speed: 15 km/hr
    • Time taken: Time2=13D15=D45\text{Time}_2 = \frac{\frac{1}{3}D}{15} = \frac{D}{45} hours
  3. Third part of the journey:

    • Distance covered: 12\frac{1}{2} of the remaining distance
    • Remaining distance after second part: 23D13D=13D\frac{2}{3}D - \frac{1}{3}D = \frac{1}{3}D
    • Distance covered in this part: 13D\frac{1}{3}D
    • Speed: 30 km/hr
    • Time taken: Time3=13D30=D90\text{Time}_3 = \frac{\frac{1}{3}D}{30} = \frac{D}{90} hours
  4. Total distance and total time:

    • Total distance: DD
    • Total time taken: Time1+Time2+Time3=D30+D45+D90\text{Time}_1 + \text{Time}_2 + \text{Time}_3 = \frac{D}{30} + \frac{D}{45} + \frac{D}{90}

To find the total time, we need to find a common denominator for the fractions D30\frac{D}{30}, D45\frac{D}{45}, and D90\frac{D}{90}. The least common multiple of 30, 45, and 90 is 90.

Total time=D30+D45+D90\text{Total time} = \frac{D}{30} + \frac{D}{45} + \frac{D}{90} Total time=3D90+2D90+D90=3D+2D+D90=6D90=D15 hours\text{Total time} = \frac{3D}{90} + \frac{2D}{90} + \frac{D}{90} = \frac{3D + 2D + D}{90} = \frac{6D}{90} = \frac{D}{15} \text{ hours}

  1. Average speed: Average speed=Total distanceTotal time=DD15=15 km/hr\text{Average speed} = \frac{\text{Total distance}}{\text{Total time}} = \frac{D}{\frac{D}{15}} = 15 \text{ km/hr}

Therefore, the average speed of A is 15 km/hr.

Do you want details or have any questions? Here are 5 numbered questions for you to ask:

  1. How to solve a quadratic equation?
  2. What is the derivative of exe^x?
  3. How do you integrate sin(x)\sin(x)?
  4. Can you explain the Pythagorean theorem?
  5. What is the area of a circle?

Tip: When dealing with average speed in different segments of a journey, remember that average speed is not simply the mean of speeds but the total distance divided by the total time taken.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Average speed
Distance-time relationships

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12