To determine which pitcher had the higher average speed, we need to calculate the average speed for both Lou and Jamie based on their pitching times.
The average speed \( v \) can be calculated using the formula:
\[ v = \frac{d}{t} \]
where \( d \) is the distance (15 m) and \( t \) is the average time it takes to pitch the ball.
Step 1: Calculate the average time for Lou.
Lou's times:
- 1.2 s
- 2.0 s
- 3.1 s
- 2.5 s
First, we'll sum Lou's times:
\[ 1.2 + 2.0 + 3.1 + 2.5 = 8.8 \text{ s} \]
Now we find the average time:
\[ \text{Average time} = \frac{8.8 \text{ s}}{4} = 2.2 \text{ s} \]
Step 2: Calculate Lou's average speed.
Using the average time calculated for Lou:
\[ v_{Lou} = \frac{15 \text{ m}}{2.2 \text{ s}} \approx 6.82 \text{ m/s} \]
Step 3: Calculate the average time for Jamie.
Jamie's times:
- 1.7 s
- 2.3 s
- 3.0 s
- 2.2 s
First, we'll sum Jamie's times:
\[ 1.7 + 2.3 + 3.0 + 2.2 = 9.2 \text{ s} \]
Now we find the average time:
\[ \text{Average time} = \frac{9.2 \text{ s}}{4} = 2.3 \text{ s} \]
Step 4: Calculate Jamie's average speed.
Using the average time calculated for Jamie:
\[ v_{Jamie} = \frac{15 \text{ m}}{2.3 \text{ s}} \approx 6.52 \text{ m/s} \]
Conclusion: Compare the average speeds.
- Lou's average speed: \( 6.82 \text{ m/s} \)
- Jamie's average speed: \( 6.52 \text{ m/s} \)
Therefore, Lou was the better pitcher, with an average speed of approximately \( 6.82 \text{ m/s} \).
Since the provided response choices do not match the calculations, if they pertain to just the concept of speed in meters per second assumed incorrectly to be lower values, you would need to clarify the appropriate choices based on the actual speeds calculated. Lou's value is indeed higher than Jamie's by a margin of speed.