A freight train covers a distance of 120 km at a speed of 40 km/h, another 150 km at 50 km/h, and a final segment of 80 km at 80 km/h. Determine the average speed of the train for the entire journey.
60 km/h
45 km/h
50 km/h
55 km/h
The correct option is 50 km/h.
Step 1: Understand the formula for Average Speed
Average speed for a journey consisting of multiple segments is defined as the total distance covered divided by the total time taken for the entire trip.
Step 2: Calculate the time taken for each segment of the journey
Using the time-distance-speed formula:
For the first segment (120 km at 40 km/h):
For the second segment (150 km at 50 km/h):
For the third segment (80 km at 80 km/h):
Step 3: Calculate the Total Distance and Total Time
Total Distance:
Total Time:
Step 4: Compute the Average Speed
Now, substitute the total distance and total time into the average speed formula:
Thus, the average speed of the freight train for the entire journey is 50 km/h.
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