Math Problem Statement

The graphs show the distance, d, traveled by two cars, A and B, over time, t. Distance is measured in miles, and time is measured in hours. Which car traveled slower? Explain how you know.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's analyze the graph and answer the fill-in-the-blank questions:

  1. Distance Traveled by Each Car in 4 Hours:

    • For Car A: According to the graph, Car A has traveled 150 miles in 4 hours. This has already been entered.
    • For Car B: Car B traveled approximately 200 miles in 4 hours. So, the answer here is 200 miles.
  2. Average Rate of Change (Speed) for Each Car:

    • The average rate of change (speed) is calculated by dividing the distance by time.
    • For Car A: Speed=150 miles4 hours=37.5 miles per hour\text{Speed} = \frac{150 \text{ miles}}{4 \text{ hours}} = 37.5 \text{ miles per hour}
    • For Car B: Speed=200 miles4 hours=50 miles per hour\text{Speed} = \frac{200 \text{ miles}}{4 \text{ hours}} = 50 \text{ miles per hour}
  3. Determining the Slower Car:

    • Since Car A has a speed of 37.5 miles per hour and Car B has a speed of 50 miles per hour, Car A is the slower car.

Filled-in Answers:

  • Car A traveled 150 miles in 4 hours, which is an average rate of change of 37.5 miles per hour.
  • Car B traveled 200 miles in 4 hours, which is an average rate of change of 50 miles per hour.
  • Therefore, Car A traveled slower.

Would you like more details on any part of this solution?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you calculate the average speed of an object?
  2. What is the significance of the slope in a distance-time graph?
  3. How can you determine which object is slower by comparing slopes?
  4. What units are commonly used for distance and time in speed calculations?
  5. Why does the rate of change in a distance-time graph represent speed?

Tip: Remember, in a distance-time graph, the steeper the line, the higher the speed.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope
Rate of Change

Formulas

Average Speed = Distance / Time

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8