The formula for calculating speed, distance, and time is:
- Speed = Distance ÷ Time
- Distance = Speed × Time
- Time = Distance ÷ Speed
Where:
-
Speed = How fast an object moves (km/h, m/s)
-
Distance = Total length covered (km, m)
-
Time = Duration taken (hours, minutes, seconds)
The formula for calculating Speed, Distance, and Time is based on their direct relationship. If you know any two of them, you can find the third.
Speed, Distance, and Time Formula Overview
| Formula | Variables | When it is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Speed = Distance ÷ Time | Speed → how fast | Finding average or actual speed |
| Distance = Speed × Time | Distance → length covered | Travel, journey, physics problems |
| Time = Distance ÷ Speed | Time → duration taken | To calculate time of travel |
What is Speed, Distance, and Time in Maths?
- Speed
- Speed tells us how fast an object is moving.
- Formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time
- Units: km/h (kilometres per hour), m/s (metres per second).
Example: If a car covers 100 km in 2 hours, its speed = 100 ÷ 2 = 50 km/h.
2. Distance
- Distance is the total length of the path travelled.
- Formula: Distance = Speed × Time
- Units: km (kilometre), m (metre).
Example: A bike runs at 60 km/h for 3 hours, Distance = 60 × 3 = 180 km.
3. Time
- Time is the duration taken to cover a distance at a certain speed.
- Formula: Time = Distance ÷ Speed
- Units: hours, minutes, seconds.
Example: A bus covers 150 km at 50 km/h, Time = 150 ÷ 50 = 3 hours.
These formulas are simple but very useful. The three are connected in a triangle relationship.
- To find speed, divide the distance by time.
- To find distance, multiply speed with time.
- To find time, divide distance by speed.
In real life, these formulas are used in journeys, train or flight timings, athletics, or even speed-distance problems in aptitude exams.
In exams like CUET, SSC, Banking, Railways, and JEE, questions often test your ability to quickly apply these formulas with correct units. Always check if the given values are in the same units (e.g., km & hours or m & seconds).
Solved Examples on Speed, Distance and Time
Example 1:
A car travels 120 km in 2 hours. Find its speed.
Solution :
Step 1: Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Step 2: Speed = 120 ÷ 2
= 60
Its Speed = 60 km/h
Example 2:
A bus runs at 50 km/h for 4 hours. Find the distance covered.
Solution :
Step 1: Distance = Speed × Time
Step 2: Distance = 50 × 4 = 200
Its Distance is 200 km
FAQs on Speed, Distance and Time
Q1. How do I remember the formula of speed, distance, and time?
Use the triangle trick: put D on top, and S × T below. Cover what you need to find.
Q2. Are units important in these formulas?
Yes, always keep consistent units. If speed is in km/h, time must be in hours; if speed is in m/s, time should be in seconds.
Q3. Where are these formulas asked in exams?
They appear in CUET, SSC, Banking, Railways, JEE, and Defence exams under aptitude or quantitative reasoning.
Q4. Can time ever be zero in these formulas?
No, because dividing by zero is not possible. If time = 0, then no distance is travelled, so the formula doesn’t apply.