https://file.aiquickdraw.com/mathbot/file/1728229073949of7urjtm.jpg

The formula provided to estimate the speed of the car is:

\[
v = \sqrt{20L}
\]

Where:
- \( v \) is the speed of the car in miles per hour (mph).
- \( L \) is the length of the skid marks in feet.
  
In the problem, the length of the skid marks is given as \( L = 185 \) feet. We can now substitute \( L \) into the formula and calculate \( v \).

\[
v = \sqrt{20 \times 185}
\]
\[
v = \sqrt{3700}
\]
\[
v \approx 60.83 \, \text{mph}
\]

Rounding to the nearest tenth, the car was traveling at approximately **60.8 miles per hour**.

Would you like more details on this solution or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:
1. How does the length of skid marks affect the estimated speed of a car?
2. What assumptions are made about road conditions in this formula?
3. How would the estimated speed change if the skid marks were 300 feet long?
4. How is this formula derived from basic physics principles?
5. What other factors could affect the accuracy of the speed estimate in real life?

**Tip:** Always make sure to double-check your unit conversions when working with real-world problems to avoid errors in your calculations.

Police use the formula: v = √(20L) to estimate the speed of a car, v, in miles per hour, based on the length, L, in feet, of its skid marks when suddenly braking on a dry, asphalt road. At the scene of an accident, a police officer measures a car’s skid marks to be 185 feet long. Approximately how fast was the car traveling? Round your answer to the nearest tenth (one decimal place) of a unit.

Learn how to estimate the speed of a car from its skid marks using the formula v = √(20L). Given a skid mark length of 185 feet, we calculate that the car was traveling at approximately 60.8 mph. Suitable for students in Grades 8-10.

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation