$$1. A car travels 150 miles in 3 hours at a constant speed. On the return trip, it takes 2.5 hours due to heavy traffic. What is the average speed of the car for the entire round trip?

Sat, 09 May 2026 10:03:14 +0000

**Why Understanding Average Speed Matters—And What It Reveals About Commuting in the US** Ever wonder how traffic patterns shape daily travel, especially when journeys take different forms but cover the same distance? That mystery unfolds clearly in a classic comparison: a car travels 150 miles at a constant speed over 3 hours, then returns via a slower, traffic-burdened route taking 2.5 hours. Many ask: what’s the average speed for the entire trip? This isn’t just a math puzzle—it’s a window into real-world driving dynamics and how we interpret travel efficiency in a fast-growing, urbanized country. --- ### Why the Round Trip Average Speed Delivers Real Insight