Time, Speed & Distance
The heaviest topic in arithmetic. Mastering Relative Speed and Ratio Methods is key to solving Trains and Boats problems without long equations.
1. The Ratio Method (Constant Distance)
When Distance is same.
- Rule: .
- Use for 'Late/Early' problems to find exact time difference units.
Example:
Q: Speed 34th, reaches 20 min late.
Solution: Speed 4:3. Time 3:4. Gap 1u = 20m.
Actual Time (3u) = 60 min.
Actual Time (3u) = 60 min.
2. Average Speed
Not .
- Case A (Equal Distances): Harmonic Mean 2xyx+y.
- Case B (Equal Time): Arithmetic Mean x+y2.
- General: Total Distance / Total Time.
Example:
Q: Goes 60 kmph, returns 40 kmph.
Solution: 2 imes 60 imes 40100 = 48 kmph.
3. Relative Speed
Moving bodies.
- Opposite Direction: Add Speeds ().
- Same Direction: Subtract Speeds ().
- Used for Meeting Times and Overtaking.
Example:
Q: A (40) and B (50) move towards each other. Gap 180km.
Solution: Rel Speed = 90. Time = 18090 = 2 hrs.
4. Trains (Length Logic)
Distance is never zero.
- Crossing Pole: Dist = Train Length ().
- Crossing Platform/Train: Dist = .
- Speed is Relative Speed if object moves.
Example:
Q: Train (100m) crosses Bridge (200m) in 20s.
Solution: Total Dist 300m. Speed = 30020 = 15 m/s = 54 kmph.
5. Boats & Streams
River flow adds or subtracts.
- Downstream (Along): .
- Upstream (Against): .
- Formulas: , .
Example:
Q: Down 20 kmph, Up 10 kmph.
Solution: Boat Speed = 20+102 = 15. Stream = 5.
6. Linear Races & Head Starts
Giving a 'start'.
- Start of distance: A beats B by meters.
- Start of time: A beats B by seconds.
- Dead Heat: Both reach at same time.
Example:
Q: A beats B by 10m in 100m race.
Solution: Ratio Dist A:B = 100:90 = 10:9. Speed Ratio is same.
7. Circular Motion
Meeting on track.
- First Meeting: .
- Meeting at Start: LCM().
- Distinct Points: reduced ratio . Points = (Opp) or (Same).
Example:
Q: Speeds 3:2, Circular Track. How many distinct meeting points?
Solution: Opposite: . Same Dir: .
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