How to Learn Distance Rates & Time in Math Problems

The measurements of distance, rate and time have a special relationship in that one measurement depends on the other two. The equation for distance is distance = rate * time, where rate is the speed or velocity and time is the total time traveled. This equation can be altered to solve for both time and rate. Learning the relationship of distance, rate and time can help you in solving tricky math problems.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Multiply the rate by time to calculate the distance. For example, if the rate is 50 miles per hour and the time traveled is 3 hours, then the distance is 50 multiplied by 3, which is 150. The distance of this example is 150 miles.

2. Divide the distance by the rate to calculate the time traveled. For example, if the distance is 400 meters and the rate is 20 meters per minute, then dividing 400 by 20 results in 20. The time is 20 minutes.

3. Divide the distance by the time of the trip to calculate the rate. For example, if the distance is 90 yards and the time is 30 seconds, then dividing 90 by 30 results in 3. The rate is 3 yards per second.

References

• Hampden-Sydney College: Velocity, Distance and Time
• Ideal Math: Time, Rate and Distance Formula
• 1728 Software Systems: Velocity, Time and Distance Ultra Calculator

Resources

• MachineHead Software: Speed Distance Time Calculators