There are three main types of average problems commonly encountered in school algebra:
Average (Arithmetic Mean)
Weighted Average and
Average Speed.
The following diagram shows the formula for average speed. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on calculating the average speed.

Examples Of Average Speed Problems
Example:
John drove for 3 hours at a rate of 50 miles per hour and for 2 hours at 60 miles per hour. What was his average speed for the whole journey?
Solution:
Step 1: The formula for distance is
Distance = Rate × Time
Total distance = 50 × 3 + 60 × 2 = 270
Step 2: Total time = 3 + 2 = 5
Step 3: Using the formula:


Answer: The average speed is 54 miles per hour.
Be careful! You will get the wrong answer if you add the two speeds and divide the answer by two.
How To Solve The Average Speed Problem?
How to calculate the average speed?
Example:
The speed paradox: If I drive from Oxford to Cambridge at 40 miles per hour and then from Cambridge to Oxford at 60 miles per hour, what is my average speed for the whole journey?
Answers & Comments
Answer:
There are three main types of average problems commonly encountered in school algebra:
Average (Arithmetic Mean)
Weighted Average and
Average Speed.
The following diagram shows the formula for average speed. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on calculating the average speed.

Examples Of Average Speed Problems
Example:
John drove for 3 hours at a rate of 50 miles per hour and for 2 hours at 60 miles per hour. What was his average speed for the whole journey?
Solution:
Step 1: The formula for distance is
Distance = Rate × Time
Total distance = 50 × 3 + 60 × 2 = 270
Step 2: Total time = 3 + 2 = 5
Step 3: Using the formula:


Answer: The average speed is 54 miles per hour.
Be careful! You will get the wrong answer if you add the two speeds and divide the answer by two.
How To Solve The Average Speed Problem?
How to calculate the average speed?
Example:
The speed paradox: If I drive from Oxford to Cambridge at 40 miles per hour and then from Cambridge to Oxford at 60 miles per hour, what is my average speed for the whole journey?