What is 90 km h for 2 hours and 20 minutes?

Decoding the Distance: A Simple Speed-Distance-Time Calculation

How far can you travel at 90 kilometers per hour (km/h) for two hours and twenty minutes? This seemingly simple question highlights the importance of understanding and applying the fundamental relationship between speed, distance, and time. While the answer might seem intuitive, a methodical approach ensures accuracy, particularly when dealing with less straightforward time durations.

The core formula governing these relationships is: Distance = Speed × Time

Let’s break down the problem:

• Speed: 90 km/h. This is a straightforward value.

• Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes. This requires conversion to a single unit for our calculation. Since our speed is in kilometers per hour, we need to express the time in hours. There are 60 minutes in an hour, so 20 minutes is equal to 20/60 = 1/3 of an hour, or approximately 0.33 hours. Therefore, the total travel time is 2 + 0.33 = 2.33 hours.

Now, we can apply the formula:

Distance = Speed × Time = 90 km/h × 2.33 hours = 209.7 kilometers

Therefore, traveling at 90 km/h for 2 hours and 20 minutes covers a distance of approximately 209.7 kilometers. While rounding up to 210 kilometers is acceptable for many purposes, retaining the decimal provides greater accuracy. The small discrepancy from a simple multiplication of 90 x 2.33 highlights the importance of precise time conversions in these calculations. Minor inaccuracies in time conversion can significantly affect the calculated distance, especially over longer journeys.

This simple calculation emphasizes the importance of consistent units when working with speed, distance, and time problems. Always ensure all values are expressed in compatible units before performing calculations to obtain accurate and reliable results. Understanding this fundamental principle is crucial not only for simple travel estimations but also for various applications in fields like physics, engineering, and navigation.