Speed-Distance-Time: Calculate Total Time for 24km Multi-Speed Run

Multi-Segment Time Calculations with Different Speeds

Daniel runs on the field along the following path:

7 km8 km/h4 km9 km/h13 km7 km/h

How long does it take Daniel to finish the run?

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1

Understand the problem

Daniel runs on the field along the following path:

7 km8 km/h4 km9 km/h13 km7 km/h

How long does it take Daniel to finish the run?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll apply the formula for time to each segment of Daniel's run and sum the results.

  • Step 1: Calculate the time for the first segment.
    The formula for time is t=dv t = \frac{d}{v} .
    For the first segment: d=7km d = 7 \, \text{km} , v=8km/h v = 8 \, \text{km/h} .
    Thus, the time is t1=780.875hours t_1 = \frac{7}{8} \approx 0.875 \, \text{hours} .
  • Step 2: Calculate the time for the second segment.
    For the second segment: d=4km d = 4 \, \text{km} , v=9km/h v = 9 \, \text{km/h} .
    Thus, the time is t2=490.444hours t_2 = \frac{4}{9} \approx 0.444 \, \text{hours} .
  • Step 3: Calculate the time for the third segment.
    For the third segment: d=13km d = 13 \, \text{km} , v=7km/h v = 7 \, \text{km/h} .
    Thus, the time is t3=1371.857hours t_3 = \frac{13}{7} \approx 1.857 \, \text{hours} .
  • Step 4: Sum the times from all segments to get the total time.
    Total time T=t1+t2+t30.875+0.444+1.857=3.176hours T = t_1 + t_2 + t_3 \approx 0.875 + 0.444 + 1.857 = 3.176 \, \text{hours} .

Rounding this to one decimal place provides T3.2 T \approx 3.2 hours.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 3.2hours 3.2 \, \text{hours} .

3

Final Answer

3.2 hours

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Use time = distance ÷ speed for each segment separately
  • Technique: Calculate t1=78=0.875 t_1 = \frac{7}{8} = 0.875 hours for first segment
  • Check: Add all segment times: 0.875 + 0.444 + 1.857 = 3.176 hours ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using total distance with average speed
    Don't add all distances (7+4+13=24 km) and divide by average speed = wrong total time! This ignores that Daniel runs different segments at different speeds. Always calculate time for each segment separately using t=dv t = \frac{d}{v} , then add the times together.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

David runs at a speed of 5 meters per second and covers a distance of 700 meters.

For how long does David run?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just use the total distance of 24 km?

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Because Daniel runs at different speeds for each segment! Using total distance assumes constant speed, which gives the wrong answer. You must calculate time for each segment separately.

Should I convert the decimal hours to minutes?

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The answer choices are in hours, so keep your answer in hours. But if needed: multiply by 60 to convert hours to minutes (3.2 hours = 192 minutes).

What if my calculator gives me long decimals?

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Round appropriately! For time calculations like this, round to 1 decimal place unless the problem asks for more precision. 3.176 rounds to 3.2 hours.

How do I know which speed goes with which distance?

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Look at the diagram carefully! Each segment has both a distance label and a speed label. Match them by color or position: 7km at 8km/h, 4km at 9km/h, 13km at 7km/h.

Can I add the fractions instead of converting to decimals?

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Yes! 78+49+137 \frac{7}{8} + \frac{4}{9} + \frac{13}{7} . Find common denominator (504), add fractions, then convert to decimal. Both methods work!

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