Solve each problem. If a train travels at 80 mph for 15 min, what is the distance traveled?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Convert the time from minutes to hours since the speed is given in miles per hour. There are 60 minutes in an hour, so divide 15 minutes by 60 to get the time in hours.
2. Use the formula for distance: \( \text{Distance} = \text{Speed} \times \text{Time} \).
3. Substitute the given speed (80 mph) and the converted time (in hours) into the formula.
4. Multiply the speed by the time to find the distance traveled.
5. Ensure the units are consistent and the calculation is correct.

Key Concepts

Speed

Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, typically expressed in units such as miles per hour (mph). In this problem, the train's speed is given as 80 mph, indicating that it covers 80 miles in one hour. Understanding speed is crucial for calculating distance when time is known.

Time

Time is the duration in which an event occurs, measured in units such as hours, minutes, or seconds. In this scenario, the train travels for 15 minutes. To solve the problem, it is important to convert this time into hours, as speed is given in miles per hour, allowing for consistent units in calculations.

Distance Formula

The distance formula relates speed, time, and distance, expressed as Distance = Speed × Time. This formula allows us to calculate the distance traveled by the train by multiplying its speed by the time it has been traveling. Applying this formula correctly is essential for finding the solution to the problem.