A car travels 120 kilometers in 2 hours. For the next 3 hours, it increases its speed by 20 kilometers per hour. How far does the car travel in total?

February 22, 2026

Full Solution: How Far Does a Car Travel When Speed Increases After an Initial Trip?

When a car travels efficiently over time, understanding its speed changes helps calculate total distance accurately. In this scenario, a car travels 120 kilometers in 2 hours at a constant speed, then increases its speed by 20 kilometers per hour (km/h) for the next 3 hours. This article breaks down the full journey step-by-step and reveals the total distance covered.

Initial Speed Calculation

First, determine the car’s initial speed during the first 2 hours.

Distance = 120 km
Time = 2 hours

Speed = Distance ÷ Time Speed = 120 km ÷ 2 h = 60 km/h

So, the car travels at 60 km/h for the first part of the journey.

Speed Increase After 2 Hours

After the first 2 hours, the car increases its speed by 20 km/h:

New Speed = Initial Speed + 20 km/h = 60 km/h + 20 km/h = 80 km/h

Distance Traveled in the Next 3 Hours

Now, calculate the distance covered during the increased-speed phase:

Speed = 80 km/h
Time = 3 hours

Distance = Speed × Time Distance = 80 km/h × 3 h = 240 km

Total Distance Traveled

To find the overall distance, add the distances from both phases:

First leg: 120 km
Second leg: 240 km

Total Distance = 120 km + 240 km = 360 km

Conclusion

Combining both segments, the car travels a total of 360 kilometers. This example demonstrates how even a brief speed increase significantly impacts total travel distance—a critical factor in planning long-distance journeys.

Key Takeaways:

Initial speed = 60 km/h
Speed increases to 80 km/h after 2 hours
Distance in second phase = 240 km
Final total distance: 360 km

Whether for driving, logistics, or travel planning, understanding speed changes ensures accurate distance estimates and optimal route management.