Calculating Distance Traveled by a Pickup Van

When determining the distance a pickup van can travel, understanding its speed is crucial. In this article, we will explore how to calculate the distance a pickup van can cover in a specific period based on its known speed. We will use a real-world example to illustrate the process.

Understanding Speed: The Key to Distance Calculation

Speed is defined as the distance traveled over a specific period of time. The formula to calculate speed is:

Speed Distance / Time

In the given problem, a pickup van has traveled 210 kilometers (km) in 3 hours (hr). To find the speed:

Speed 210 km / 3 hr 70 km/hr

This means the pickup van is capable of traveling 70 kilometers in one hour, which is its average speed.

Determining Distance for Different Time Periods

Now, we want to determine how far the pickup van can travel in 5 hours. We can use the speed we calculated and multiply it by the time to find the distance:

Distance Speed × Time Distance 70 km/hr × 5 hr 350 km

Therefore, if the pickup van maintains the same speed, it can travel 350 kilometers in 5 hours.

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

Some have suggested that the van traveled 210 kilometers in 3 hours, but then questions arose about whether it would continue at the same speed for 5 hours. The calculation remains straightforward if the speed is consistent. Others provided different methods, but the core principle is the same: use the formula for distance and speed.

The correct answer is:

210 km in 3 hours means 70 km/h. Therefore, in 5 hours, the van will travel 70 km/h × 5 h 350 km.

This calculation assumes that the van maintains a constant speed throughout the trip. Factors such as fuel, driver's fatigue, and road conditions are not considered in this simple calculation.

Conclusion

To summarize, the distance a pickup van can travel is directly proportional to its speed and the time it travels. In this example, a van that has a speed of 70 km/hr can travel 350 kilometers in 5 hours, assuming it maintains that speed.

For further clarity, always ensure that the problem statement specifies whether the van is traveling at a consistent speed over the entire period or if there are any changes in speed.