The speed of the car is 120 miles / 3 hours = 40 miles per hour.

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:49:40 +0000

Understanding Vehicle Speed: How Speed, Distance, and Time Together Define Speed (40 MPH in 3 Hours) When calculating speed, one of the simplest yet most fundamental formulas in physics and everyday driving is: Speed = Distance ÷ Time. This equation becomes especially practical when analyzing vehicle performance—such as determining that a car traveling 120 miles over 3 hours averages just 40 miles per hour (MPH). But what does this actual speed really mean, and how does it impact driving efficiency, safety, and performance? ### The Formula in Action: 120 Miles in 3 Hours Using the basic formula: