Let's solve each problem step by step using the formula for
average speed:
$$
\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}
$$
---
1) Mandy on a bus to Grandma’s house
- Distance: 144 miles
- Time: 3 hours
$$
\text{Speed} = \frac{144}{3} = 48 \text{ miles per hour}
$$
✔ Answer: 48 mph
---
2) Sailfish observed by Amanda
- Distance: 272 miles
- Time: 4 hours
$$
\text{Speed} = \frac{272}{4} = 68 \text{ miles per hour}
$$
✔ Answer: 68 mph
---
3) Gabriella and her friend biking to the beach
- Distance: 15 miles
- Time: 2 hours
$$
\text{Speed} = \frac{15}{2} = 7.5 \text{ miles per hour}
$$
✔ Answer: 7.5 mph
---
4) Pronghorn running up a cliff
- Distance: 45 miles
- Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Convert time to hours:
45 minutes = $ \frac{45}{60} = 0.75 $ hours
So total time = $ 1 + 0.75 = 1.75 $ hours
$$
\text{Speed} = \frac{45}{1.75} = 25.714... \approx 25.71 \text{ mph (rounded to two decimal places)}
$$
✔ Answer: 25.71 mph
---
5) Flight from Newark to Seattle
- Distance: 2,402 miles
- Time: 6 hours
$$
\text{Speed} = \frac{2402}{6} = 400.333... \approx 400.33 \text{ mph (rounded to two decimal places)}
$$
✔ Answer: 400.33 mph
---
✔ Final Answers:
1)
48 mph
2)
68 mph
3)
7.5 mph
4)
25.71 mph
5)
400.33 mph
These are all average speeds calculated using distance divided by time. Make sure units are consistent — especially converting minutes to hours when needed!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of speed worksheet middle school.
