Math in the NewsIssue 75

A Swim for the Ages

In this issue we analyze Diana Nyad’s historic swim from Cuba to Florida.

This map shows the path that Diana Nyad swam in going from Havana to Key West, Florida. Source: http://www.diananyad.com/

The time and distance data for her swim are shown here.

52 Hours, 54 Minutes, 18.6 Seconds110.4 Statue Miles

We can use the formula for Average Speed to calculate how fast she traveled.

We convert the data for use in the formula.

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.

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

Average Speed

• Average speed gives a straight line graph, while the actual data hovers around the line.

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.