Multiple choice

The distance between cities A and B is 120 miles. A car travels from A to B at 60 miles per hour and returns from B to A along the same route at 40 miles per hour. What is the average speed for the round trip?

  1. 48

  2. 50

  3. 52

  4. 56

  5. 58
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Average speed = Total Distance / Total Time. Total distance = 120 + 120 = 240 miles. Time 1 = 120/60 = 2 hours. Time 2 = 120/40 = 3 hours. Total time = 5 hours. Average speed = 240 / 5 = 48 mph.

AI explanation

When equal distances are travelled at two different speeds, the average speed is found using the formula 2xy/(x+y). Substituting the given speeds of 60 mph and 40 mph gives (2 * 60 * 40) / (60 + 40), which equals 4800 / 100. This results in an average speed of 48 mph for the round trip.

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