Question

a train is traveling at a steady rate of 48 miles per hour. which diagram best represents this information?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall speed formula

The speed formula is $\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}$, so we can verify each option by calculating $\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}$ and checking if it equals 48 mph.

Step2: Check Option 1

Calculate speed: $\frac{\frac{1}{2}}{24} = \frac{1}{48} \approx 0.02$ mph (not 48 mph)

Step3: Check Option 2

Calculate speed: $\frac{2\frac{1}{2}}{120} = \frac{\frac{5}{2}}{120} = \frac{5}{240} \approx 0.02$ mph (not 48 mph)

Step4: Check Option 3

Calculate speed: $\frac{8}{6} \approx 1.33$ mph (not 48 mph)

Step5: Check Option 4

Calculate speed: $\frac{168}{3.5} = 48$ mph (matches the given speed)

Answer:

The bottom-right diagram (Distance: 168 miles, Time: 3.5 hours)