Average Speed Challenge: Running 2 Meters per Second with Rest

Average Speed with Rest Periods

Gary runs at a speed of 2 meters per second for 2 minutes, then stops for a minute and runs again for 2 minutes at the same speed.

What is the average speed?

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1

Understand the problem

Gary runs at a speed of 2 meters per second for 2 minutes, then stops for a minute and runs again for 2 minutes at the same speed.

What is the average speed?

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin solving this problem by following the outlined steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the time to seconds.
    Running time for each interval = 2 minutes=2×60=120 seconds2 \text{ minutes} = 2 \times 60 = 120 \text{ seconds}.
    Rest time = 1 minute=60 seconds1 \text{ minute} = 60 \text{ seconds}.

  • Step 2: Calculate the distance covered during each running interval.
    Distance for the first interval, d1=2 m/s×120 s=240 metersd_1 = 2 \text{ m/s} \times 120 \text{ s} = 240 \text{ meters}.
    Distance for the second interval, d2=2 m/s×120 s=240 metersd_2 = 2 \text{ m/s} \times 120 \text{ s} = 240 \text{ meters}.

  • Step 3: Determine the total distance and total time.
    Total distance, D=d1+d2=240 m+240 m=480 metersD = d_1 + d_2 = 240 \text{ m} + 240 \text{ m} = 480 \text{ meters}.
    Total time, T=120 s+60 s+120 s=300 secondsT = 120 \text{ s} + 60 \text{ s} + 120 \text{ s} = 300 \text{ seconds}.

  • Step 4: Calculate the average speed. Average speed=Total distanceTotal time=480 m300 s=1.6 meters/second \text{Average speed} = \frac{\text{Total distance}}{\text{Total time}} = \frac{480 \text{ m}}{300 \text{ s}} = 1.6 \text{ meters/second}

Thus, Gary's average speed is 1.61.6 meters per second.

3

Final Answer

1.6 1.6 meters per second

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Average speed equals total distance divided by total time
  • Technique: Include rest time: 120s + 60s + 120s = 300s total
  • Check: Verify units match and rest periods are counted ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Excluding rest time from total time calculation
    Don't calculate average speed as 480m ÷ 240s = 2 m/s by ignoring the rest period! This gives an artificially high speed because you're dividing by too little time. Always include ALL time periods (running + resting) in your total time calculation.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the average speed according to the data?

TravelTimekm/hDistance3122.570400100210400250

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I include the rest time if Gary wasn't moving?

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Average speed measures the total journey time, not just moving time! It's like asking "How fast did Gary travel from start to finish?" - the rest period is part of that total journey time.

Is average speed the same as running speed?

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No! Gary's running speed is 2 m/s, but his average speed is 1.6 m/s because he spent time resting. Average speed is always total distance ÷ total time.

What if Gary ran at different speeds in each interval?

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The method stays the same! Calculate distance for each interval separately, then use Average speed=Total distanceTotal time \text{Average speed} = \frac{\text{Total distance}}{\text{Total time}} .

How do I convert minutes to seconds quickly?

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Multiply by 60! So 2 minutes = 2 × 60 = 120 seconds. Always work in the same units throughout your calculation.

Can average speed ever be higher than the running speed?

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No, never! If you include any rest periods, average speed will always be less than or equal to the actual running speed. If you get a higher number, check your calculation!

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