Example

Example: Finding the Speed of a Car from Skid Marks

To find the speed of a car from its skid marks, use the formula s=24ds = \sqrt{24d}. For example, if the skid marks for a car measured 190190 feet, substitute d=190d = 190 into the formula to get s=24(190)s = \sqrt{24(190)}. Multiplying gives s=4560s = \sqrt{4560}. Taking the square root gives s67.52777s \approx 67.52777. Rounding to one decimal place yields s67.5s \approx 67.5. Therefore, the car was traveling approximately 67.567.5 miles per hour before the brakes were applied.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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