To find out how far the cyclist rode in 1 hour, you can use the average speed formula:
\[ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}} \]
In this case, the total distance is 60.9 miles, and the total time is 3.5 hours.
Now, let's plug the values into the formula:
\[ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{60.9 \text{ miles}}{3.5 \text{ hours}} \]
To calculate this, divide 60.9 by 3.5:
\[ \text{Average Speed} = 17.4 \text{ miles per hour} \]
Thus, she rode approximately 17.4 miles in 1 hour.
Explanation of thinking:
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Understanding the problem: The question asks for the distance traveled by the cyclist in 1 hour, given the total distance and time.
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Applying the formula: I used the average speed formula because it relates distance, time, and speed, allowing us to determine how far she travels in one hour based on her average speed.
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Performing the calculation: By dividing the total distance by the total time, I found her average speed.
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Interpreting the result: The average speed of 17.4 miles/hour reflects the distance covered by the cyclist in any single hour, as it is consistent over the entire duration of her ride.