A car travels the first half of a 120-mile trip at 40 mph and the second half at 60 mph. What is the average speed for the entire trip?

Sun, 03 May 2026 20:04:10 +0000

**What Drivers Should Know: Average Speed for a 120-Mile Trip with Variable Speeds** Have you ever wondered how long a 120-mile journey truly takes when couped between 40 mph for the first half and 60 mph for the second? It’s a simple yet insightful question shaping how drivers think about travel planning. This scenario—splitting a straight route between two distinct speeds—sparks curiosity not just among casual drivers, but also with implications for real-world efficiency, fuel economics, and even stress levels on long trips. What many don’t realize is that average speed isn’t a simple arithmetic mean—learning how it’s calculated reveals surprising truths about travel time that help people manage expectations and optimize routes. --- ### Why This Trip Puzzle Is Gaining Attention in the US