Magic Number Puzzle Drivers Ed Answers Chapter 16
If you're studying for your driver's license, you may have encountered the Magic Number Puzzle in Chapter 16 of your driver's ed manual. This puzzle is designed to test your ability to calculate the safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Magic Number Puzzle and provide you with the answers you need to pass your driver's ed exam.
What is the Magic Number Puzzle?
The Magic Number Puzzle is a problem presented in Chapter 16 of most driver's ed manuals. The problem asks you to calculate the safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. To solve the problem, you need to know the speed of your vehicle and the length of time it takes you to react to a potential hazard.
How to Solve the Magic Number Puzzle
The formula for solving the Magic Number Puzzle is:
Magic Number = Speed in MPH ÷ 10 + Reaction Time in Seconds × Speed in MPH
To solve the puzzle, you'll need to know your speed in miles per hour (MPH) and your reaction time in seconds. Your reaction time is the amount of time it takes you to recognize a potential hazard and apply the brakes. A typical reaction time is around 1.5 seconds.
Let's say you're driving at 60 MPH and your reaction time is 1.5 seconds. To solve the puzzle, you would plug in the numbers:
Magic Number = 60 ÷ 10 + 1.5 × 60
Magic Number = 6 + 90
Magic Number = 96
So, the Magic Number for a car traveling at 60 MPH with a 1.5 second reaction time is 96. This means that you should keep a distance of 96 feet between your car and the car in front of you.
Why is the Magic Number Important?
The Magic Number is important because it helps you maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. A safe following distance gives you enough time to react to potential hazards and avoid accidents. If you're following too closely, you won't have enough time to react and you could end up rear-ending the car in front of you.
It's important to note that the Magic Number is just a guideline. You should always adjust your following distance based on the conditions of the road, weather, and traffic. For example, if it's raining or you're driving on a slippery road, you should increase your following distance to give yourself more time to stop.
Conclusion
The Magic Number Puzzle is an important concept to understand when studying for your driver's license. By knowing your speed and reaction time, you can calculate the safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Remember, the Magic Number is just a guideline and you should always adjust your following distance based on the conditions of the road, weather, and traffic. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road.