Freddie cycles to work every day. Yesterday, his journey home from work took 50% longer than usual. By what percentage was his average speed slower than normal?

Question

Can you please help me answer this maths question as I believe the answer to be 50% but that is too obvious.

Answer 1

Let's say it takes him 2 hours usually. Yesterday, it took him 3 hours.

So, he only traveled  2/3 as fast as usual. That's 1/3 slower.

 

1/3 = 33.3%

 

Another way to look at it: 

If he lives 30 miles from work and usually gets home in 30 minutes, that's 60 mph because

30 miles ÷ .5 hours = 60 mph

Yesterday he traveled those same 30 miles in 45 minutes, 1.5 times as long or 50% longer.

30 miles ÷ .75 hours = 40 mph

 

So the fraction of yesterday's speed over the normal speed is 40/60 or 2/3.

That's 1/3 slower than normal.

1/3 = 33.3%

 

 

Have a great evening!

Colossians 3:23