Determining Speed - MPH and KPH

Students learn how length gets used in determining speed, and how the measurements are used in different countries.


When it comes to measuring speed, there are two commonly used units: miles-per-hour (mph) and kilometers-per-hour (kph). Both units are used to describe how fast an object or person is traveling in relation to a specific distance. Let's take a closer look at these two units of speed.

speed

Miles-per-Hour (MPH)

Miles-per-hour is a unit of speed that is commonly used in the United States and some other countries. It measures the number of miles traveled in one hour. For example, if a car travels 60 miles in one hour, its speed is 60 mph. Miles-per-hour is commonly used for measuring the speed of cars, planes, and boats.

Kilometers-per-Hour (KPM)

Kilometers-per-hour is a unit of speed that is commonly used in most countries around the world. It measures the number of kilometers traveled in one hour. For example, if a car travels 60 kilometers in one hour, its speed is 60 kph. Kilometers-per-hour is commonly used for measuring the speed of cars, bikes, and other vehicles.

Conversion between mph and kph

To convert miles-per-hour to kilometers-per-hour, you need to multiply the mph value by 1.60934. For example, if a car is traveling at 60 mph, you can convert it to kph by multiplying 60 by 1.60934, which gives you a speed of approximately 96.6 kph.

To convert kilometers-per-hour to miles-per-hour, you need to divide the kph value by 1.60934. For example, if a car is traveling at 60 kph, you can convert it to mph by dividing 60 by 1.60934, which gives you a speed of approximately 37.3 mph.

Why are these units important?

Miles-per-hour and kilometers-per-hour are important units of speed as they help us understand how fast an object is moving in relation to a distance. These units are commonly used in many areas of our lives, from driving on the highway to tracking the speed of a bike ride or a running race. By understanding these units of measurement, we can better appreciate the speed at which we and other objects are traveling.

Summing it up, miles-per-hour and kilometers-per-hour are two commonly used units of speed that measure the distance an object travels in an hour. While mph is mainly used in the United States, kph is used around the world. By understanding how to convert between these units and why they are important, we can better understand and appreciate the speed at which we and other objects are traveling.

From Lesson: Measuring Length

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From Learning Gig: The Basics of Measurement Systems

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