Distance, Rate, and Time
The problems on this page deal with solving for distance travelled, rate of travel, and time travelled when one factor is unknown. The basic formula is
distance = rate x time or
d = r x t. If distance be measured in kilometres, the process is the same.
- How far will a car travel at an average speed of 60 miles per hour in 3 hours?
d = r x t
d (in miles) = 60 x 3
d = 180 miles
- What is the average speed of a car that travels 180 miles in 3 hours?
r = d ÷ t
r (in m.p.h) = 180 ÷ 3
r = 60 m.p.h.
- How long will it take a car travelling an average of 60 m.p.h. to travel 180 miles?
t = d ÷ r
t (in hours) = 180 ÷ 60
t = 3 hours