Top Average Speed Formulas You Need to Know for the GMAT

It is not that simple to construct a career in the field of business administration or management. Most students apply to the top universities to acquire a Master’s degree in one of the fields. A step that they have to complete before submitting the application is clearing GMAT with a good score. It (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) tests students in relation to their problem solving abilities along with other areas. You need to be aware of formulae and smart tips so that all problems can be solved correctly in quick time.

Calculating average speed (knowing the methods)

The basic formula of average speed calculation is given as follows:

• Average Speed = Total Distance Travelled / Total Time Taken

While solving GMAT problems, it is not necessary that this formula would be applied in the same form. Considering the variables available, you have to make changes to determine the correct answers in the allotted time. It is important to remember that this test is time bound so each minute matters. Students who perform lengthy steps usually end up with incomplete questions. 

Here are some speed calculation methods you need to take into account.

1. If an object travels at a speed of “x” for 50 percent of the time and at a speed of “y” for the remaining half, average speed will be calculated by using the following formula.

• Average speed = x +y /2

Let us go through an example to develop more clarity. Suppose that a particle travels at the speed of 50 km / hr for the first 30 minutes. After that the speed changes to 60km/hr for the remaining half hour. According to these details, the average speed will be calculated as follows.

Average speed = 50 + 60/2

Average Speed = 55 km/hr

1. If the speed of an object is “x” for half the distance and “y” for the remaining half, the average speed will be calculated by using the formula given below.

• Average Speed = 2xy / (x+y)

Consider that a ball travels at the speed of 10km/hr for half of the distance (10km) and 12km/hr for the remaining half (10km). According to these details, the average speed will be determined using the given below logic.

Average Speed = 2(10) (12)/ (10 + 12)

Average Speed = 240 / 22

Average Speed = 10.9 km/hr

• This formula applies when the speed of a moving object changes three times after every one third of the total distance. 

If “a”, “b” and “c” are the respective speeds, the average will be determined using the given below formula.

• Average speed = 3abc / (ab+bc+ca)

Suppose that a stone has a speed of 10km/hr, 14km/hr and 20km/h respectively for every one third of the distance. Hence, average will be calculated as follows.

Average Speed = 3(10)(14)(20) / (140 + 280 + 200)

Average Speed = 4200 / 620

Average Speed = 6.7 km/hr

The use of a quality velocity calculator (Steps and Example)

Every user does not sound mathematics concepts. For instance, consider that you have to complete ten questions on velocity and the knowledge base is not sound. In such cases, an online velocity calculator by calculators.tech would surely come in handy for you. This tool is recommended for all students who do not know the concept of velocity calculation inside out.

Here are the steps of using it.

• Selecting the input alternative

This tool has multiple options for calculating velocity. If you have distance as input, click the “Distance” tab and enter the corresponding values.

• Enter the input values

If you have distance and time values and velocity is unknown, enter them in their respective text boxes. After that, click the “calculate” button to view the output value

• Calculation through an example

Consider that the distance covered is 100 meters and time is 40 seconds. To determine the velocity using this tool, enter these values. Once you click the “calculate” button, the following value would be shown to you.

Velocity = 2.5m/s

• Reasons for using the velocity calculator

Most people know how to add and subtract digits. Even then, a major chunk uses calculators. Similarly, knowing the formula of velocity calculation does not mean that manual methods work best. Here are some prominent reasons why this tool should be used.

• Correct formula does not need to be known

Can you determine the velocity of an object if you are not aware of the correct formula? Most people cannot accomplish this task. Suppose that you have to solve an assignment problem and a calculator is not being used. Due to insufficient knowledge, you may take several minutes to solve the problem. Even then, the answer can be incorrect. Using this calculator simply means that you do not need to be aware of the formula and involved variables. All you need to do is punch in the values. Secondly, you can be absolutely sure that the output value would be correct.

• Putting time to better use 

Time is precious and should be used in a productive manner. There is no reason to burn hours on velocity calculations when a calculator can do it in seconds. If you have to solve ten questions on this topic in an hour, not using a calculator would be simple foolishness. Even people with strong concepts and memorized formulae would take hours to get done with all the questions.

• Summing it Up

When you are performing a calculation, two points should be considered. To start with, you need to get the correct answer and secondly, it should be determined in the smallest possible time span. Calculating the velocity of an object can prove to be a complicated task if you have lack of command. For instance, not knowing the formula or having lack of clarity can be a problem. 

Using a good online calculator can prove to be a savior in this case. It reduces the effort and saves large time chunks.

References  

Wikipedia contributors. (2020, March 5). Graduate Management Admission Test. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 07:36, March 18, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Graduate_Management_Admission_Test&oldid=944068555