Average Speed and Velocity: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

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:

Average speed is defined as total distance divided by total time, making reason (R) true.

Assertion (A) is also true, as average speed can be equal to the arithmetic mean of individual speeds if the time intervals for those speeds are equal. However, reason (R) only defines average speed, it does not explain the condition under which it equals the arithmetic mean.