What describes the relationship between distance, speed, and time in nautical navigation?

The relationship between distance, speed, and time in nautical navigation is accurately described by the formula where distance equals speed multiplied by time. This fundamental equation originates from basic physics and can be expressed as:

Distance = Speed × Time

In practical terms, this means that if you know your speed and the amount of time you will be traveling, you can calculate how far you will go. For instance, if a vessel is traveling at a speed of 10 knots for 2 hours, the distance covered would be 20 nautical miles (10 knots × 2 hours = 20 nautical miles). This principle is crucial for navigators to plan routes, estimate arrival times, and ensure safe passage.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the relationship between these three concepts, making them less valuable in practical applications for navigation. Speed cannot be expressed as a direct addition of distance and time, nor can time be calculated by subtracting speed from distance, and the division of speed by distance does not yield time, all of which reinforce why the first option stands as the correct representation of the relationship among distance, speed, and time in nautical contexts.