Police Math Test Police Math Speed, Distance, and Time 3

Question 1

Two patrol cars start 300 miles apart and drive toward each other at 50 mph and 70 mph. When do they meet?

Accepted Answer

2.5 hours

Answer

Combined closing speed is 120 mph; 300 ÷ 120 = 2.5 hours.

Question 2

A car leaves at 60 mph. A patrol car leaves 1 hour later at 80 mph. How long until the patrol car catches up?

Accepted Answer

3 hours

Answer

The lead car is 60 miles ahead; gap closes at 20 mph, so 60 ÷ 20 = 3 hours.

Question 3

A vehicle travels 120 miles at 40 mph, then returns the same route at 60 mph. What is the average speed for the round trip?

Accepted Answer

48 mph

Answer

Total distance 240 miles ÷ total time 5 hours (3 + 2) = 48 mph.

Question 4

A suspect runs at 8 mph. How many seconds to cover 100 yards? (1 mile = 1,760 yards)

Accepted Answer

25.6 seconds

Answer

8 mph = 14,080 yards/hour ≈ 3.91 yards/sec; 100 ÷ 3.91 ≈ 25.6 seconds.

Question 5

An officer drives 25 miles in 25 minutes. What is the average speed?

Accepted Answer

60 mph

Answer

25 minutes = 25/60 hour; 25 ÷ (25/60) = 60 mph.

Police Math Test Practice Test