Practice problems for speed and velocity.
The formula for speed is distance / time = speed Velocity is calculated the same way but you need to
include the direction when you are asked for a velocity. There are three types of speed math problem. Solve
for speed . solve for distance and solve for time.
Solve for speed and velocity.
1. The train traveled 500 kilometers north to Odessa in 2 hours. What is the train’s speed? What is it’s
velocity?
Distance= 500 Km
Time = 2 hours
Speed = distance /time
Speed = 500km/2h
Speed = 250 km/h
Velocity = 250 km/h North
2. Ann walked 1.5 miles south to her house in 0.5 hours. What is Ann’s speed? What is Ann’s velocity.
Distance= 1.5 miles
Time= 0.5 hours
Speed = distance /time
Speed = 1.5/0.5
Speed = 3 miles per hour
Velocity = 3 miles per hour south
3. Jeremie ran around the track at the YMCA for 2 hours. When he was done he figured that he had
traveled 20 kilometers. What was his speed? What was his velocity?
Distance = 20 km
Time = 2 h
Speed = distance /time
Speed- 20km/2h
Speed =10km/h
Velocity = 0 ( he traveled in circles so there is no direction. No direction no velocity)
4. The race car was moving for 3.7 hours and during that time moved 500 miles east. What is the speed?
What is the velocity?
Distance = 500 miles
Time = 3.7 hours
Speed = distance /time
Speed = 500/3.7
Speed = 135.1 ( rounded) miles per hour
Velocity = 135.1 miles per hour east
Solve for distance
5. If you travel for three hours at a speed of 30 km/h, how far will you go?
Speed = 30km/h
Time = 3 hours
Distance = speed x time
Distance= 30km/h x 3 h
Distance = 90 km
6. Mike is driving west on I-80 for 1.5 hours at a speed of 70 miles per hour. What is his distance?
Speed = 70 miles per hour
Time = 1.5 h
Distance = speed x time
Distance = 70 x 1.5
Distance = 105 miles
Solve for time
7. If you are traveling at 75 km/h how long will it take to travel 32 km?
Distance = 32 km
Speed = 75 km/h
Time = distance / speed
Time = 32/75
Time= 0.43 hrs ( rounded)
8. How long will it take to travel 78 miles if you are traveling at 65 miles per hour?
Distance= 78 miles
Speed = 65 miles per hour
Time = distance / speed
Time = 78/65
Time = 1.2 hours