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Both formulas you mentioned are related to velocity, but they are used in different contexts.

  1. Velocity = Distance/Time: This formula represents average velocity and is used when considering the total distance traveled over a given time interval. It calculates the average speed or velocity without considering the direction of motion. For example, if you traveled a total distance of 100 kilometers in 2 hours, the average velocity would be 100 km / 2 h = 50 km/h. Here, the direction of motion is not taken into account.

  2. Velocity = Displacement/Time: This formula represents the instantaneous velocity and is used when considering the change in position or displacement over a given time interval. It calculates the velocity by considering the direction of motion. Displacement refers to the change in position from the initial point to the final point. For example, if an object moves 20 meters to the east from its starting point in 5 seconds, the displacement is 20 m (east). The velocity would then be 20 m (east) / 5 s = 4 m/s (east). Here, the direction of motion is considered.

In summary, the formula "Velocity = Distance/Time" is used for average velocity, which doesn't consider the direction, while the formula "Velocity = Displacement/Time" is used for instantaneous velocity, which takes into account the direction of motion.

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