16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardAverage speed over two legs

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A driver covers the first 90 kilometres of a trip at an average speed of 60 kilometres per hour and the next 90 kilometres at an average speed of 90 kilometres per hour. What is the driver's average speed, in kilometres per hour, for the whole 180 kilometres?

Answer: 72

The legs take 1.5 h and 1 h, so 180 km ÷ 2.5 h = 72 km/h.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 45
45 halves 90.
If you answered 75
75 averages the two speeds, ignoring that the slower leg takes longer.
If you answered 150
150 adds the speeds.

More Problem-Solving and Data Analysis questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.