Average speed = total distance ÷ total time
Average speed describes how much distance is covered per unit of time. Divide total distance by total elapsed time. The time must be greater than zero.
A cyclist covers 120 metres in 20 seconds. Average speed = 120 ÷ 20 = 6 metres per second, written 6 m/s.
A walker travels 150 metres in 50 seconds. Average speed = 3 m/s. The cyclist has the higher average speed in these examples.
Average speed summarises the whole journey. It does not tell us that the cyclist travelled at exactly 6 m/s at every instant. Include any stops in the total elapsed time.
A cyclist covers 120 metres in 20 seconds. Average speed = 120 ÷ 20 = 6 metres per second, written 6 m/s.
A walker travels 150 metres in 50 seconds. Average speed = 3 m/s. The cyclist has the higher average speed in these examples.
Average speed summarises the whole journey. It does not tell us that the cyclist travelled at exactly 6 m/s at every instant. Include any stops in the total elapsed time.