Calculating Distance Traveled at 90 km/h: A Comprehensive Guide

Did you ever wonder exactly how far a car traveling at a speed of 90 km/h can go in a given time? This question delves into the basics of speed, distance, and time calculations, which are fundamental principles in physics and everyday life. Whether you are planning a road trip or simply curious about how these calculations work, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Formula

The key to calculating the distance traveled is the formula:

D S x T

Where:

D Distance (in kilometers) S Speed (in kilometers per hour) T Time (in hours)

Converting Time to Hours

Often, the time given is in minutes rather than hours. For accurate calculations, it's crucial to convert minutes to hours. The conversion is straightforward:

1 hour 60 minutes

Therefore, to convert 40 minutes to hours:

40 minutes 40/60 hours 2/3 hours

Applying the Formula

Now, let's apply the formula with our specific values:

Speed, S 90 km/h Time, T 2/3 hours

Substituting these values into the formula:

D 90 km/h x 2/3 hours 90 x 0.67 60 kilometers

So, a car traveling at 90 km/h can cover approximately 60 kilometers in 40 minutes. This result aligns with the 3/4 of an hour explanation, as 40 minutes is 2/3 of an hour, and 2/3 of 90 km is indeed 60 kilometers. This calculation confirms the validity of our approach.

Further Explorations

Let's take a look at other calculations to reinforce our understanding:

Example 1: 77 mph for 45 minutes

D S x T D 77 mph x 45/60 hours 57.75 miles

Here, 45 minutes is 3/4 of an hour, and the car traveling at 77 mph would cover 57.75 miles in that duration.

Example 2: 90 km/h for 30 minutes

T 30 minutes 1/2 hour D S x T D 90 km/h x 1/2 hour 45 km

In this scenario, the car traveling at 90 km/h would cover 45 kilometers in 30 minutes.

Example 3: 90 km/h for 45 minutes

T 45 minutes 45/60 hours 3/4 hour D S x T D 90 km/h x 3/4 hours 90/4 x 3 67.5 km

Here, the car would travel 67.5 kilometers in 45 minutes.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between speed, distance, and time is critical for various applications, from everyday travel to more complex scientific calculations. By utilizing the speed formula and converting time to hours, you can accurately determine how far a vehicle can travel in any given period. Whether it's 40 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes, the process remains the same, making it easy to predict travel distances with precision.