Direction of the Motorboat

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 114 views

Understanding the Problem

When dealing with speed and distance, it's essential to understand the relationship between these two variables. The formula to calculate distance is given by:

Distance = Speed × Time

In this problem, we are given the speed of the motorboat as -3.4 miles per hour and the time it traveled as 0.75 hours. We need to use the formula to find the distance traveled by the motorboat.

Calculating Distance

To calculate the distance, we can simply multiply the speed by the time. However, we need to consider the negative sign of the speed. A negative speed indicates that the motorboat is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive direction. In this case, we can assume that the motorboat is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis.

speed = -3.4  # miles per hour
time = 0.75  # hours
distance = speed * time
print(distance)

Interpreting the Result

When we calculate the distance, we get a negative value. This is because the motorboat is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis. However, the distance traveled by the motorboat is still a positive value. We can interpret this result by considering the direction of the motorboat.

Direction of the Motorboat

Since the speed is negative, the motorboat is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis. This means that the motorboat is traveling in the negative x-direction. Therefore, the distance traveled by the motorboat is a negative value, indicating that it is traveling in the opposite direction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the motorboat traveled a distance of -2.55 miles. The negative sign indicates that the motorboat is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis.

Real-World Applications

This problem has real-world applications in various fields such as navigation, transportation, and logistics. Understanding the relationship between speed and distance is crucial in these fields to ensure safe and efficient travel.

Example Use Cases

Navigation: When navigating a ship or a boat, it's essential to understand the relationship between speed and distance to avoid collisions or running aground.
Transportation: In transportation, understanding the relationship between speed and distance is crucial to ensure safe and efficient travel.
Logistics: In logistics, understanding the relationship between speed and distance is essential to plan and execute transportation routes efficiently.

Tips and Tricks

Use the correct formula: When calculating distance, use the formula Distance = Speed × Time.
Consider the direction: When dealing with negative speeds, consider the direction of the object to interpret the result correctly.
Use real-world examples: Use real-world examples to illustrate the concept of speed and distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula to calculate distance? The formula to calculate distance is Distance = Speed × Time.
What does a negative speed indicate? A negative speed indicates that the object is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis.
How do I interpret the result of a negative speed? To interpret the result of a negative speed, consider the direction of the object to determine the correct distance traveled.

Summary

In this article, we discussed how to calculate the distance traveled by a motorboat given its speed and time. We used the formula Distance = Speed × Time and considered the direction of the motorboat to interpret the result correctly. We also discussed real-world applications, example use cases, tips and tricks, and frequently asked questions related to speed and distance.

Understanding the Problem

When dealing with speed and distance, it's essential to understand the relationship between these two variables. The formula to calculate distance is given by:

Distance = Speed × Time

In this problem, we are given the speed of the motorboat as -3.4 miles per hour and the time it traveled as 0.75 hours. We need to use the formula to find the distance traveled by the motorboat.

Q&A

Q1: What is the formula to calculate distance?

A1: The formula to calculate distance is Distance = Speed × Time.

Q2: What does a negative speed indicate?

A2: A negative speed indicates that the object is traveling in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis.

Q3: How do I interpret the result of a negative speed?

A3: To interpret the result of a negative speed, consider the direction of the object to determine the correct distance traveled.

Q4: What is the relationship between speed and distance?

A4: The relationship between speed and distance is given by the formula Distance = Speed × Time.

Q5: Can I use the formula to calculate distance if the speed is negative?

A5: Yes, you can use the formula to calculate distance even if the speed is negative. However, you need to consider the direction of the object to interpret the result correctly.

Q6: What is the unit of speed?

A6: The unit of speed is typically measured in miles per hour (mph), kilometers per hour (km/h), or meters per second (m/s).

Q7: What is the unit of time?

A7: The unit of time is typically measured in hours (h), minutes (min), or seconds (s).

Q8: Can I use the formula to calculate distance if the time is negative?

A8: No, you cannot use the formula to calculate distance if the time is negative. Time is always a positive value.

Q9: What is the difference between speed and velocity?

A9: Speed is a scalar quantity that represents the rate of change of an object's position, while velocity is a vector quantity that represents the rate of change of an object's position and direction.

Q10: Can I use the formula to calculate distance if the speed is zero?

A10: Yes, you can use the formula to calculate distance even if the speed is zero. In this case, the distance traveled is zero.