Understanding Distance Calculation with Speed and Time

Are you ready to tackle a common question found in cognitive ability tests? Let’s dive into a relatable problem: A car zooms along at 85 miles per hour. Ever wonder how far it’ll go in just 15 minutes? Spoiler alert: it’s not as tricky as it sounds! And hey, this isn't just about numbers; it’s a real-world skill that can come in handy everywhere—like when you're clocking miles on a road trip or figuring out if you can snag a coffee before a meeting.

So, here's the scenario. You’ve got your car, your speedometer reading 85 mph, and you've got a quarter of an hour to play with. First off, let’s convert that 15 minutes into hours because most speed is measured in miles per hour. Think of it as a mini math lesson: since there are 60 minutes in an hour, you can figure this one out pretty easily. Just take 15 minutes and divide it by 60, and you get 0.25 hours! Easy peasy, right?

Now comes the fun part! We’ve got our speed and now our time—time to whip out the distance formula. It’s simple: Distance = Speed × Time. Now let’s plug in the numbers, shall we? That’s 85 miles per hour multiplied by 0.25 hours.

So we do the math:

Distance = 85 miles/hour × 0.25 hours = 21.25 miles!

There you have it! In just 15 minutes, that speedy car will travel 21.25 miles. Looks like Option D is the winner here! So, the next time someone asks you about speed, time, and distance, you can confidently tackle that question like a pro. And who knows—this little bit of knowledge might just impress your friends on your next road trip discussion.

Now, you might be asking yourself, “How does this relate to cognitive ability tests?” Well, understanding these calculations not only helps you ace those tests but also sharpens your mental math skills. Plus, you get to practice logical thinking and problem-solving, which are crucial in nearly every aspect of life.

If you find math problems popping up in your study sessions, consider practicing with more questions like this one. It’s like building a muscle—the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Whether you’re prepping for the Wonderlic test or just polishing your cognitive skills, embrace these problems like an adventure. You’re equipping yourself with knowledge one calculation at a time!

So, the next time you find yourself wondering how far a car can travel at a certain speed in a given time, remember this example. Keep practicing, stay curious, and you'll find yourself breezing through those cognitive tests with confidence!