Most algebra problems about speed ask you to find the speed or average velocity. Although the terms are used interchangeably, the difference is that the speed usually takes the direction into account. This article will show you how to calculate average speed, which direction is not considered.
Step
Step 1. Speed questions usually tell you how much distance a person has traveled over a certain period of time
Circle these values to help you track them.
Example: Keri travels 7 km in 10 minutes, rests, and then travels home in 20 minutes. What is the average speed?
Step 2. Add up all the distances covered during that time period
Example: 7 km + 7 km = 14 km
Step 3. Add up all the time taken
Example: 10 minutes + 20 minutes = 30 minutes
Step 4. Divide the total distance by the total time traveled
Example: 14 km/30 minutes = 14/30 km/minute
Step 5. The answer you get is the average speed of the moving object at that time
Simplify the fraction if possible. Make sure to use the correct units in your answer!