Homework problem: Average speed and time

[Lindseyosu]

Homework Statement

A golfer rides in a golf cart at a speed of 3.10 m/s for 24.0 s. She then gets out of the cart and starts walking at an average speed of 1.30 m/s. For how long (in seconds) must she walk if her average speed for the entire trip, riding and walking, is 1.90 m/s?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't know where to begin with this problem. I assume that distance plays a factor in the problem, but I'm not sure.

 

[rl.bhat]

Find the distance traveled in the golf car. Assume she walks for t s. Find distance she walks in terms of t. Find the total distance and total time. You know the average velocity. From that find t.

 

[nlightner]

It is correct to assume that distance plays a factor in this problem. In order to find the time the golfer must walk, we can use the formula: average speed = total distance / total time. In this case, the total distance traveled is the sum of the distance traveled in the golf cart and the distance traveled while walking. We can set up the equation as follows:

1.90 m/s = (3.10 m/s * 24.0 s + 1.30 m/s * t) / (24.0 s + t)

Solving for t, we get t = 14.0 seconds. This means that the golfer must walk for 14.0 seconds in order to maintain an average speed of 1.90 m/s for the entire trip.