What is the formula triangle between speed, distance and time?

Think of the lines (horizontally and vertically) within the triangle as operations:

• The horizontal line means division.
• The vertical line means multiplication.

So lets say we were trying to find out the formula for speed, if you cover 'speed' with your hand, you're left with distance and time. So now you have distance --> horizontal line --> time. Therefore,

• Speed = Distance ÷ Time

Similarly:

• Distance = Speed x Time
• Time = Distance ÷ Speed

I like to think of it as the DSTV triangle (v is the shape of the triangle) - D is on top, being the first letter, S is on the bottom left of the triangle and T is at the bottom right of the triangle (as if you were reading it, ST, left to right). D is distance, S is speed, and T is time. As D is at the top of the triangle, distance divided by speed or time will equal the letter left out of the triangle. for example D divided S is = T. D divided by T is = S. Finally, S x T = D.

I always remember this as a 'SODIT' triangle!

Speed = distance divided by time

Speed = distance/time

speed = distance / time

Speed is distance divided by time. If they require the speed in km per hour then make sure you use the distance in km and the time in hours. Watch out for the time if it is not whole hours as then you need to use the time in its decimal form e.g. 1 hour 30 minutes is 1.5 hours.

Speed = distance/time

Speed = Distance / Time

Or you can use the formulas :

Speed = distance / time

Distance = speed x time

Time = distance / speed

To work out speed, divide the distance of the journey by the time it took to travel, so speed = distance divided by time. To calculate time, divide the distance by speed. To get the distance, multiply the speed by time.

You may see these equations simplified as s=d/t,where s is speed, d is distance, and t is time.

Imagine a pyramid shape, with a T shape in the middle. This splits our triangle into 3 sections. In the top section should be a “d” (for distance). In the bottom two sections that are next to each other, one will contain an “s” (for speed) and the other contains a “t” (for time). Cover the letter that represents the variable you are trying to find, this will tell you how to use the other two variables to find your answer. If the other two are next to each other they must be multiplied. If they are above and below each other they must be divided. This results in these 3 equations:

Speed = distance / time

Distance = speed x time

Time = distance / speed