Race Car Speed: Calculate Rate & Distance
Let's dive into a fun little problem involving speed, distance, and time! We're going to figure out how fast a race car was traveling using a simple formula. Get ready to put on your math helmets, because we're about to calculate some serious speed!
Understanding the Problem
So, here's the scenario: A race car zooms along, covering a distance of 114.4 kilometers in just 22 minutes. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to find out the rate (or speed) at which the car was traveling. To do this, we'll use the formula: r = d/t, where 'r' stands for rate, 'd' represents distance, and 't' signifies time. This formula is a cornerstone in physics and is incredibly useful for solving problems related to motion. Before we crunch the numbers, let's break down each component to ensure we're all on the same page. The distance 'd' is given as 114.4 kilometers, which is the total ground the race car covered. The time 't' is given as 22 minutes, which is the duration it took for the race car to cover the specified distance. Now, with a clear understanding of what each variable represents, we can confidently move forward to apply the formula and derive the speed of the race car. Remember, understanding the context and meaning of each component not only aids in solving the problem correctly but also enhances our grasp of the underlying concepts. Therefore, before jumping into calculations, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the given information. By doing so, you're setting a solid foundation for a successful problem-solving endeavor. Let's keep this momentum going as we approach the final solution, knowing that our thorough preparation will lead us to an accurate and insightful result.
Applying the Formula
Alright, let's get down to business. We know the distance (d) is 114.4 kilometers and the time (t) is 22 minutes. Plugging these values into our formula, r = d/t, we get:
r = 114.4 km / 22 minutes
Now, let's do the division. When you divide 114.4 by 22, you should get approximately 5.2. So, the rate (r) is approximately 5.2 kilometers per minute. But hold on a second! It's often more useful to express speed in kilometers per hour. To convert kilometers per minute to kilometers per hour, we need to remember that there are 60 minutes in an hour. So, we multiply our rate by 60:
5.2 km/minute * 60 minutes/hour = 312 km/hour
Therefore, the race car was traveling at a rate of approximately 312 kilometers per hour. Now, we have a better sense of how fast this race car was moving. The formula r = d/t is a powerful tool that allows us to easily determine the relationship between speed, distance, and time. By understanding how to apply this formula, we can solve a wide range of problems related to motion and speed. Remember, the key is to accurately identify the values for distance and time, and then simply plug them into the formula to calculate the rate. Let's keep practicing and refining our skills so that we can confidently tackle any speed-related challenge that comes our way. With consistent effort and a clear understanding of the principles involved, we can unlock the secrets of motion and become masters of speed calculation.
Rounding to the Nearest Tenth
The question asks us to round our answer to the nearest tenth. Since 312 is a whole number, we can write it as 312.0. So, our final answer, rounded to the nearest tenth, is 312.0 kilometers per hour. Rounding to the nearest tenth might seem like a small detail, but it's an important part of ensuring the accuracy and precision of our answer. In many real-world applications, even small differences in values can have significant consequences, so it's crucial to pay attention to these details. In this case, rounding to the nearest tenth helps us provide a more refined and accurate representation of the race car's speed. While the difference between 312 and 312.0 may seem insignificant, it demonstrates our commitment to precision and our understanding of the importance of accuracy in calculations. So, let's always remember to follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to the level of precision required, whether it's rounding to the nearest tenth, hundredth, or any other specified value. By doing so, we can ensure that our answers are not only correct but also reflect our attention to detail and our commitment to accuracy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The race car was traveling at a rate of 312.0 kilometers per hour. We successfully used the formula r = d/t to solve this problem, and we also remembered to round our answer to the nearest tenth. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on these types of problems to sharpen your skills!
Want to learn more about speed and velocity? Check out this helpful resource!
