A naval submarine travels a total distance of 144 miles in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Assumin… — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

A naval submarine travels a total distance of $144$ miles in $4$ hours and $30$ minutes. Assuming a constant rate of travel, which of the following is the average speed of the submarine in miles per hour?

A
$3.2$
$32$ Answer
C
$36$
D
$648$

Answer

The average speed is

32

miles per hour.

To find the average speed, the total distance must be divided by the total time in hours. First, convert

4

hours and

30

minutes to

4.5

hours. Then, dividing

144

miles by

4.5

hours gives an average speed of

32

miles per hour.

Step-by-Step Solution

Convert the total travel time into a single unit of hours.

4

hours and

30

minutes equals

4.5

hours.

Since the requested speed is in miles per hour, the time must be expressed purely in hours before calculating.

Apply the formula for average speed:

Speed = Distance \div Time

Speed = 144 \div 4.5

Average speed is found by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken.

Perform the division.

1440 \div 45 = 32

Shifting the decimal point one place to the right for both the dividend and divisor makes the calculation easier, resulting in

32

miles per hour.

Key Concept

Calculating Rate given Distance and Time

Question

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Key Concept

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