1. Math in the News
Issue 75
A Swim for the Ages
In this issue we analyze Diana Nyad’s historic swim from Cuba to Florida.
2. This map shows the path that Diana Nyad swam in
going from Havana to Key West, Florida.
Source: http://www.diananyad.com/
3. The time and distance data for her swim are shown
here.
52 Hours, 54 Minutes, 18.6 Seconds
110.4 Statue Miles
4. We can use the formula for Average Speed to
calculate how fast she traveled.
Average Speed =
Total Distance
Total Time
5. We convert the data for use in the formula.
Average Speed =
Total Distance
Total Time
=
110.4 mi
52.9 hrs
≈ 2.087 mph
6. Average Speed
• But average speed
is just that, an
average. At any
given time, Nyad
was likely
swimming faster or
slower than the
average. Let’s look
at the data.
7. Data Analysis
• This table compares the predicted
distance she would swim based on the
average speed vs her actual distance.
• Source: http://www.diananyad.com/
Time (hrs)
Predicted
Distance (miles)
Actual Distance
(miles) Analysis
5.75 12.00 11.85 Slower than avg.
27 56.35 47.61 Slower than avg.
32.1 66.99 63.25 Slower than avg.
38.17 79.65 80.38 Faster than avg.
52.9 110.40 110.40 Average
8. Average Speed
• Average speed gives a straight line
graph, while the actual data hovers
around the line.
9. Conclusions
• Diana Nyad’s speed
averaged 2.087
mph.
• She was slower
than the average for
the first half of her
swim.
• She ended strongly
by swimming at an
above average
speed at the end of
the swim.
10. Conclusions
• Diana Nyad’s speed
averaged 2.087
mph.
• She was slower
than the average for
the first half of her
swim.
• She ended strongly
by swimming at an
above average
speed at the end of
the swim.
