GMAT Quant Questions | GMAT Rates Q3

Average Speed Formula | Time Speed Distance | GMAT Sample Questions

This sample GMAT Math question is an Average Speed problem solving question. The concept tested is to Compute the average speed of travel. An easy, GMAT 550 level time speed distance question.

Question 3: Jim travels the first 3 hours of his journey at 60 mph speed and the remaining 5 hours at 24 mph speed. What is the average speed of Jim's travel in mph?

  1. 42 mph
  2. 36 mph
  3. 37.5 mph
  4. 42.5 mph
  5. 48 mph

Get to Q51 in GMAT Quant


Online GMAT Course
From INR 3000


Video Explanation


GMAT Live Online Classes


Starts Sun, June 18, 2023


Explanatory Answer | GMAT Average Speed

Step 1 of solving this GMAT Rates Question: Compute total distance travelled and total time taken

Average speed Formula = \\frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}})
If the time taken to travel the two parts is the same, the average speed formula = \\frac{a + b}{2}), where 'a' and 'b' are the speeds for the two parts.
If the distances covered at the two speeds is the same, the average speed formula = \\frac{2ab}{a + b}), where 'a' and 'b' are the speeds for the two parts.

In this question neither is the time same nor is the distance same for the two parts. So, we will use the original average speed formula.
Total distance traveled by Jim = Distance covered in the first 3 hours + Distance covered in the next 5 hours.
Distance covered in the first 3 hours = 3 × 60 = 180 miles.
Distance covered in the next 5 hours = 5 × 24 = 120 miles.
Therefore, total distance traveled = 180 + 120 = 300 miles.
Total time taken = 3 + 5 = 8 hours.

Step 2 of solving this GMAT Rates Question: Compute the Average Speed

Average speed = \\frac{\text{Total distance}}{\text{Total Time}} = \frac{300}{8}) = 37.5 mph.

Choice C is the correct answer.



GMAT Online Course
Try it free!

Register in 2 easy steps and
Start learning in 5 minutes!

★ Sign up

Already have an Account?

★ Login

GMAT Live Online Classes

Next Batch June 18, 2023

★ GMAT Live Info

GMAT Rates Videos On YouTube


GMAT Sample Questions | Topicwise GMAT Questions


Where is Wizako located?

Wizako - GMAT, GRE, SAT Prep
An Ascent Education Initiative
14B/1 Dr Thirumurthy Nagar 1st Street
Nungambakkam
Chennai 600 034. India

Work @ Wizako

How to reach Wizako?

Mobile: (91) 95000 48484
WhatsApp: WhatsApp Now
Email: learn@wizako.com
Leave A Message