Math Problem Statement

Pairs of markings a set distance apart are made on highways so that police can detect drivers exceeding the speed limit. Over a fixed​ distance, the speed R varies inversely with the time T. In one particular pair of​ markings, R is 57 mph when T is 8 seconds. Find the speed of a car that travels the given distance in 9 seconds.

Solution

The relationship between speed RR and time TT is given as an inverse variation, which can be expressed mathematically as:

RT=kR \cdot T = k

where kk is a constant.

Step 1: Find the constant kk

From the given data, when R=57mphR = 57 \, \text{mph} and T=8secondsT = 8 \, \text{seconds}, substitute these values into the formula:

578=k57 \cdot 8 = k

k=456k = 456

Step 2: Calculate the speed RR for T=9secondsT = 9 \, \text{seconds}

Using the relationship RT=kR \cdot T = k, substitute k=456k = 456 and T=9T = 9 seconds:

R9=456R \cdot 9 = 456

Solve for RR:

R=4569=50.67mphR = \frac{456}{9} = 50.67 \, \text{mph}

Final Answer:

The speed of the car is approximately 50.67 mph.


Would you like a detailed explanation or further examples?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What would the speed be if the car took 10 seconds to cover the same distance?
  2. How does the graph of RR versus TT look for inverse variation?
  3. If the time is halved, what happens to the speed?
  4. What is the distance between the two markings based on this data?
  5. How can this method be implemented for speed enforcement in various weather conditions?

Tip: Remember, in inverse variation, if one variable increases, the other decreases proportionally.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Inverse Variation
Proportions
Algebra

Formulas

R * T = k

Theorems

Inverse Variation Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10