ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Mathematics Knowledge (MK)Medium
A pilot needs to calculate the average speed of an aircraft that travels 1,200 miles in 2 hours and 30 minutes. What is the average speed in miles per hour?
- A520 mph
- B500 mph
- C480 mph
- D540 mph
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 480 mph
First, convert the total time to hours: 2 hours and 30 minutes = 2.5 hours. Then, use the formula Speed = Distance / Time. So, 1200 miles / 2.5 hours = 480 mph.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Significant calculation error.
- B. Possible error in converting 30 minutes to 0.5 hours (e.g., using 0.3 or 1/3).
- D. Error in time conversion or division.
Average Speed Calculation
Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken. It is a scalar quantity.
- Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
- Ensure units for distance and time are consistent (e.g., miles and hours).
- Time must be expressed in a single unit (e.g., all hours or all minutes).
Memory trick: Speed is 'D'istance over 'T'ime, 'D'efinitely 'T'rue.