[Csmith4]

So I have a study guide for homework and the question says "explain speed (include the formula for average speed) " how would I set that out or write it and please be spasific

Explain speed and include the formula for average speed!

[Unknown008]

What is your own definition of speed, how would you explain it to someone who doesn't know what speed is?

Post this first, then we'll help you writing it down properly. You obviously should have at least an idea of what is speed.

[eawoodall]

rate equals distance divided by time. R = d/t.
average speed is called rate often.

example: if you go for 1 hour, for 60 miles then you went at what rate?
plug in numbers to see.
x (miles per hour) = 60 miles/1 hour.
x (miles/1 hour) = 60 miles/1 hour.
x(miles per hour) = 60 (miles per hour).
x = 60.


note:
average speed is not the exact speed. So you do not use calculus, you use algebra.
average speed is not speed in a direction, which is called velocity.

another example.
lets say you go for 1 hour at 60 miles per hour, then you change speed to go 3 hours at 30 miles per hour.
what is the average speed?
r = d/t.
first distance plus the second distance when taken altogether, divided by the total time equals the average speed.
x miles per hour= (60 + 3(30) ) miles/(1+3) hours.
x miles per hour = (60+90) miles/ (4) hours.
x miles per hour = 150 miles/ 4 hour.
x = 37.5

[RPVega]

"speed" is often referred to as "velocity" in physics. Average speed is simply the total
distance traveled divided by the total time it takes to travel this distance. If we use
the variable "v" to represent avg. velocity, then v = distance / time, or v = d / t.

For example, if you travel 35 miles in one hour, then your average velocity is
v = 35 miles / 1 hour, or 35 mph. To obtain 35 mph in feet per second, first convert
35 miles to feet, in the numerator; and convert 1 hour to seconds, in the denominator.

To obtain the instantaneous velocity, involves calculus. But I don't think that is
what you're asking for, in this situation. Good luck! And remember: "practice makes
perfect." Therefore, practice, practice, practice!