Speed, Distance and Time: The Formula Triangle + Examples
Published: 12.08.2026·Updated: 14.08.2026
Nadia Rahmawati
Math Curriculum Team, Algonova
Speed, distance and time are linked by one formula: speed = distance ÷ time, or v = s ÷ t. For example, a car covering 240 km in 3 hours travels at 80 km/h. From the same formula, distance = speed × time and time = distance ÷ speed. It is taught in Year 5.
The Formula Triangle
Draw a triangle with s on top and v and t below. Cover what you want: v = s ÷ t, s = v × t, t = s ÷ v.
Converting km/h to m/s
Divide by 3.6 to go from km/h to m/s and multiply by 3.6 to go back. 72 km/h = 20 m/s and 15 m/s = 54 km/h.
Time in Hours
1 hour 30 minutes is 1.5 hours, not 1.30. 45 minutes is 0.75 hours.
Worked Examples
12 km in 45 minutes: 12 ÷ 0.75 = 16 km/h.
60 km/h for 2.5 hours: 150 km.
120 km at 60 km/h and back at 40 km/h: average 240 ÷ 5 = 48 km/h.
Use the triangle, convert time to decimal hours, add speeds for meeting and subtract for catching up. Algonova has helped more than 1,000,000 students in 97 countries, with a free maths diagnostic of about 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Algonova teach mathematics for primary, junior high, and senior high kids?
Yes, Algonova Indonesia offers a complete math program for kids aged 6 to 17, covering all school levels from primary, junior high, to senior high. Each level has a dedicated curriculum aligned with the child's cognitive stage and the Indonesian school curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka).
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All classes are online live with certified teachers in small groups of up to 10 students per class. Our method is built on visual conceptual understanding, not formula memorisation. Try a free trial class for a child's level diagnostic and recommended learning path.
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Yes. For mathematics Algonova Indonesia offers a free diagnostic session of about 60 minutes with no commitment. The format is called Metode Diagnostik Algonova. No credit card is needed and there is no auto subscription afterwards. Note that these roughly 60 minutes are a diagnostic session, not a regular class. A regular math class runs 90 minutes, while the coding and design tracks have their own introductory format, a free 60 minute master class.
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How many students are in one Algonova math class?
Algonova Indonesia math classes come in three formats: 1-on-1 private, a mini-group of 2–4 kids, and a group of up to 10 students with similar ability and school grade levels. This small group format is deliberately chosen because it provides the optimal balance between social interaction with peers and personal teacher attention.
In a mini-group, every child averages about 10 minutes of direct teacher interaction in a single session. Compare with traditional offline bimbel typically of 20-40 students per class — direct interaction there is only 1-2 minutes per child, or none at all.
For families wanting full attention, one-on-one private class format is also available with one student per teacher. This format is more intensive and suits competition preparation, catching up from severe gaps, or specific topic depth.
How much does kids math tutoring at Algonova Indonesia cost?
Kids math tutoring at Algonova Indonesia starts from Rp 102,000 per lesson. The price includes a live session with a certified teacher, digital learning materials, online platform access, and an official certificate upon completing each program level.
The transparent 'starting from' rate is the same across all school levels — the final quote depends only on class format (private, mini-group, or group) and how many sessions per week you choose. Groups are the most affordable option; private classes are more intensive and suit competition prep or closing larger gaps.
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To join online class, a child only needs a computer or laptop with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a headset. The Algonova platform runs directly in the browser so no special software installation is required. Kids can write problems in a regular notebook or on a tablet with stylus.
Because every class is fully online, families can join from anywhere in Indonesia and easily fit lessons around school and other activities.
What makes Algonova math tutoring effective for Indonesian kids?
Three main factors make Algonova math tutoring effective for Indonesian kids. First, the curriculum aligns with Kurikulum Merdeka used in national schools, so what is learned at Algonova directly helps with school lessons and exams.
Second, the methodology is built on visual conceptual understanding (not formula memorisation). Kids learn to break big problems into small systematic steps — a thinking pattern transferable to other subjects like science and IT.
Third, small groups of up to 10 students per class let teachers adjust pace to each child's ability. Slower kids get personal help, while faster kids don't get bored waiting. The result: most Algonova students see math grade improvements at school within the first 2-3 months.
What if my child is behind from earlier math grades?
Algonova Indonesia is specifically designed to help kids behind catch up in a way that doesn't make them feel defeated or ashamed. Every new student starts with a free diagnostic during the trial class to identify exactly where the gap occurred.
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Many Algonova students who initially started 1-2 grade levels behind successfully caught up and even surpassed classmates within 3-6 months with weekly classes and consistent homework. It's never too late to start. Try a free trial class for diagnosis without commitment.
What are the speed, distance and time formulas?
Speed equals distance divided by time. Distance equals speed multiplied by time, and time equals distance divided by speed.
How do you convert km per hour to metres per second?
Divide by 3.6. For example 72 km per hour equals 20 metres per second. The 3.6 comes from 1,000 metres divided by 3,600 seconds.
What is the difference between meeting and catch-up problems?
In a meeting problem the two vehicles approach each other, so their speeds are added. In a catch-up problem they travel the same way, so their speeds are subtracted.
What year is speed, distance and time taught?
Speed, distance and time are taught in Year 5, and the topic returns in secondary physics as linear motion.
Why do children keep getting speed problems wrong?
The most common error is writing 1 hour 30 minutes as 1.30 when it should be 1.5 hours. The root is understanding fractions and decimals, not the speed formula.
How can you remember the formulas without mixing them up?
Draw a triangle with distance on top and speed and time below. Cover the quantity you want with a finger and what remains is the formula.
What Year Is Speed, Distance and Time Taught In?
Year 3 (SD) — units of time, telling the time
Year 5 (SD) — speed, distance, time and flow rate
Year 7 (SMP) — direct proportion, including speed problems
Secondary onwards — returns in physics as linear motion
This chapter usually fails not on the formula but on one small thing: children write 1 hour 30 minutes as 1.30. Before adding more speed practice, check whether they can express 45 minutes in hours. If the answer is not 0.75 hours, the root is in fractions and decimals.
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