Average Speed and Velocity: Practice Problem & Solution

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Average Speed and Velocity. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Concept: Average speed is total distance divided by total time. Let distance from X to Y be \( D \). Time taken to go to Y: \( t_u = D/v_u \). Time taken to return to X: \( t_d = D/v_d \). Total distance \( = 2D \). Total time \( = t_u + t_d = D/v_u + D/v_d = D \frac{v_u + v_d}{v_u v_d} \). Average speed \( = \frac{2D}{D \frac{v_u + v_d}{v_u v_d}} = \frac{2v_u v_d}{v_u + v_d} \).