A train travels 180 miles at a speed of 60 mph, then continues another 120 miles at 40 mph. What is the average speed for the entire trip? - Appcentric

Understanding the Context

This trip consists of two distinct legs:

• First leg: 180 miles at 60 mph
  
• Second leg: 120 miles at 40 mph

To calculate the average speed, we use the formula:
Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time

Step-by-Step Calculation

Key Insights

1. Calculate time taken for each leg

• First leg:
  Time = Distance ÷ Speed = 180 miles ÷ 60 mph = 3 hours

• Second leg:
  Time = 120 miles ÷ 40 mph = 3 hours

2. Compute total distance and total time

• Total distance = 180 + 120 = 300 miles
  
• Total time = 3 + 3 = 6 hours

3. Calculate average speed
Average Speed = 300 miles ÷ 6 hours = 50 mph

Final Thoughts

Why This Matters

The average speed isn’t simply the midpoint of 60 mph and 40 mph (which would be 50 mph). Instead, it reflects the real travel time across varying speeds. Since the train spent more time at the faster speed (3 out of 6 hours at 60 mph), the overall average is closer to 60 mph—but not exactly half.

Takeaway

For a train traveling 180 miles at 60 mph followed by 120 miles at 40 mph, the average speed is 50 mph. This model applies to many real-world scenarios—whether commuting, freight transport, or rail travel—where varying speeds affect journey efficiency. Accurately calculating average speed helps passengers and logistics planners understand travel expectations clearly.

Key SEO Keywords: average speed calculation, train travel average speed, multi-stage train journey, speed average formula, time vs distance formula, train route average speed, average speed vs mean speed.