A car is traveling at a…

Mathematics Questions

A car is traveling at a constant speed, where the distance D is directly proportional to the time T. 1. What is the speed of the car? 2. What formula relates D and T? 3. What is the value of the coefficient of variation k?

Short Answer

The relationship between distance and time for a car’s movement is represented by the formula D = kT, where k is a constant reflecting speed. By analyzing the time taken to cover two kilometers, we determined that k equals 4/3, leading to the speed equation D = (4/3)T.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Distance and Time Relationship

The distance D that a car travels is directly proportional to the time T it moves. This relationship can be expressed with the formula D = kT, where k represents the constant of proportionality. Thus, the longer the car moves, the greater the distance it covers, and the value of k will determine the speed.

Step 2: Determine the Coefficient of Variation (k)

To find the value of k, we can utilize the time taken to cover certain distances. We have two key pieces of information: the car travels the first kilometer in 20 seconds and the second kilometer in 30 seconds. By substituting these values into the formula:

  • For the first kilometer: 1 = k * 20
  • For the second kilometer: 2 = k * 30

Step 3: Solve for k and Calculate Speed

Now, we can solve for k by dividing the equations derived from the two distance-time relationships. This simplifies our calculations:

  • By dividing: (2/1) = (k * 30)/(k * 20)
  • Simplifying gives: 2 = (3/2)*k
  • Finally, solving for k results in k = 4/3.

Thus, the speed of the car can be expressed using the formula D = (4/3)T.

Related Concepts

Distance

The total length of the path traveled by an object during motion, typically measured in units such as kilometers or miles.

Time

The ongoing sequence of events taking place, which can be measured in seconds, minutes, or hours, indicating how long an object has been in motion.

Constant of proportionality (k)

A numerical value that represents the relationship between two proportional quantities, indicating how much one quantity changes in relation to another; in this context, it reflects the speed of the car.

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