To find out how far the cyclist rode in 1 hour, we can use the formula for average speed. Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance by the total time.
Step-by-Step Calculation
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Identify the known values:
- Total distance = 60.9 miles
- Total time = 3.5 hours
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Set up the equation for average speed: \[ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}} \]
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Substitute the known values into the equation: \[ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{60.9 \text{ mi}}{3.5 \text{ hours}} \]
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Perform the division to find the average speed: \[ \text{Average Speed} = 60.9 \div 3.5 \]
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Calculate the division: \[ 60.9 \div 3.5 \approx 17.4 \text{ miles per hour} \]
Conclusion
- The cyclist rode approximately 17.4 miles in 1 hour.
Explanation of the Calculation
By dividing the total distance by the total time, we obtain the average speed, which tells us how far the cyclist would travel in one hour if she maintained that same average speed consistently throughout the entire journey. The final result of approximately 17.4 miles per hour indicates the distance covered in a single hour at this average pace.
If you want exact precision or further verification, you can perform the division:
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Convert 3.5 hours into a fraction for clarity: \[ 3.5 = \frac{35}{10} = \frac{7}{2} \]
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Set up the equation in fraction form: \[ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{60.9 \text{ mi}}{\frac{7}{2}} = 60.9 \times \frac{2}{7} = \frac{121.8}{7} \approx 17.4 \]
This confirms the result of approximately 17.4 miles in 1 hour.