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Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units SAT question

Math · Problem-Solving and Data Analysis · Medium · Answer it here, explanation included.

The International Space Station orbits Earth at an average speed of 4.76 miles per second. What is the space station’s average speed in miles per hour?

ExplanationShow

Choice D is correct. Since 1 minute = 60 seconds and 1 hour = 60 minutes, it follows that 1 hour = (60)(60), or 3,600 seconds. Using this conversion factor, the space station’s average speed of 4.76 miles per second is equal to an average speed of the fraction with numerator 4 point 7 6 miles, and denominator second, times, the fraction with numerator 3,600 seconds, and denominator hour, equals, the fraction with numerator 17,136 miles, and denominator hour, or 17,136 miles per hour.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the space station’s average speed in miles per minute. Choice B is incorrect. This is double the space station’s average speed in miles per minute, or the number of miles the space station travels on average in 2 minutes. Choice C is incorrect. This is triple the space station’s average speed in miles per minute, or the number of miles the space station travels on average in 3 minutes. 

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