Math Problem Statement

car is traveling at a steady speed. It travels 2 and one half miles in 3 and one third minutes. How far will it travel in 39 minutes? In 1 hour

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to determine the car's speed in miles per minute and then calculate the distance it travels in the given times. Here's how we can solve it step by step:


Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

  • Distance traveled: 212=522 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2} miles
  • Time taken: 313=1033 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{10}{3} minutes

Step 2: Calculate the speed in miles per minute

The speed is given by: Speed=DistanceTime=52103=52310=1520=34 miles per minute.\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}} = \frac{\frac{5}{2}}{\frac{10}{3}} = \frac{5}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{10} = \frac{15}{20} = \frac{3}{4} \text{ miles per minute.}


Step 3: Calculate the distance for 39 minutes

Using the speed 34\frac{3}{4} miles per minute, the distance in 39 minutes is: Distance=Speed×Time=34×39=1174=29.25 miles.\text{Distance} = \text{Speed} \times \text{Time} = \frac{3}{4} \times 39 = \frac{117}{4} = 29.25 \text{ miles.}


Step 4: Calculate the distance for 1 hour (60 minutes)

Using the same speed 34\frac{3}{4}, the distance in 60 minutes is: Distance=34×60=45 miles.\text{Distance} = \frac{3}{4} \times 60 = 45 \text{ miles.}


Final Answers:

  1. Distance in 39 minutes: 29.2529.25 miles
  2. Distance in 1 hour: 4545 miles

Would you like a detailed explanation of any step or have further questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you convert mixed numbers into improper fractions?
  2. What is the process for dividing fractions?
  3. How would you calculate speed if time and distance were given in different units?
  4. How does the concept of unit rates apply to this problem?
  5. What are some real-world examples of calculating distance using speed and time?

Tip: Always double-check units (e.g., minutes vs. hours) to ensure consistency in calculations!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Speed
Distance
Time
Fractions
Rates

Formulas

Speed = Distance / Time
Distance = Speed * Time

Theorems

Unit rate theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8