Speed = Distance ÷ Time = 120 light-years ÷ 40 years = <<120/40=3>>3 times the speed of light.

Sun, 03 May 2026 17:15:16 +0000

Can a Sped Exceed the Speed of Light? Understanding the Math Behind Faster-Than-Light Speed Ever heard or read something claiming that a spacecraft might travel at 3 times the speed of light (3c), based on the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time? For instance, 120 light-years traveled in just 40 years seems to suggest a speed of <<120 ÷ 40 = 3>>3 times light speed. But does this really mean something is moving faster than light? Let’s explore what this equation really means—and why true faster-than-light (FTL) travel remains a topic of endless debate. ### The Basics: Speed = Distance ÷ Time At its core, speed is defined mathematically as: Speed = Distance ÷ Time It’s a simple ratio that tells us how fast something covers a given distance. Light travels at approximately prove 299,792 kilometers per second (about 9.46 trillion kilometers per year), a constant called the speed of light (c). When scientists calculate travel times for vast cosmic distances—such as 120 light-years—they’re solving for speed, not proving a violation of physical laws.