Skip to main content
Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 13th EditionCh. 1 - Equations and InequalitiesProblem 1
Chapter 2, Problem 1

Solve each problem. How long will it take a car to travel 400 mi at an average rate of 50 mph?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the formula relating distance, rate, and time: \(\text{Distance} = \text{Rate} \times \text{Time}\).
Rearrange the formula to solve for time: \(\text{Time} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Rate}}\).
Substitute the given values into the formula: \(\text{Time} = \frac{400}{50}\).
Simplify the fraction to find the time it takes to travel 400 miles at 50 mph.
Interpret the result as the number of hours required for the trip.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Distance, Rate, and Time Relationship

This concept involves the fundamental formula relating distance, rate (speed), and time: Distance = Rate × Time. Understanding this relationship allows you to solve for any one of the variables if the other two are known, which is essential for problems involving motion.
Recommended video:
5:30
Foci and Vertices of an Ellipse

Solving for Time

To find the time taken for a trip, rearrange the formula to Time = Distance ÷ Rate. This step is crucial because the question asks for the duration of travel, requiring you to isolate and calculate the time variable using the given distance and speed.
Recommended video:
5:02
Solving Logarithmic Equations

Units and Unit Consistency

Ensuring that units are consistent is vital for accurate calculations. Here, distance is in miles and rate is in miles per hour, so the resulting time will be in hours. Recognizing and maintaining consistent units prevents errors in interpreting the answer.
Recommended video:
05:02
Square Roots of Negative Numbers
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Match the inequality in each exercise in Column I with its equivalent interval notation in Column II. x<-6

4
views
Textbook Question

Match the inequality in each exercise in Column I with its equivalent interval notation in Column II. x≤6

4
views
Textbook Question

Match the equation in Column I with its solution(s) in Column II. x2 = -25

3
views
Textbook Question

Match each equation or inequality in Column I with the graph of its solution set in Column II. | x | = -7

2
views
Textbook Question

Match the equation in Column I with its solution(s) in Column II. x2 = 25

4
views
Textbook Question

Match each equation or inequality in Column I with the graph of its solution set in Column II. | x | = 7

2
views