Train A crosses a pole in 25 s. Train B crosses the same pole in 1 min 15 s. The length of Train A is half the length of Train B. Find the ratio of their speeds (A : B).
Aptitude
Problems on Trains
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A3 : 2
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B3 : 4
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C4 : 3
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DCouldn't be determined
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: 3 : 2
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Crossing a pole gives time = length/speed. With a known length relation (L_A = 0.5 L_B), we can form the ratio of speeds directly from times and lengths.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- T_A = 25 s, T_B = 75 s
- L_A = (1/2) L_B
- v_A = L_A / T_A, v_B = L_B / T_B
Concept / Approach:Compute v_A : v_B = (L_A/T_A) : (L_B/T_B) = (L_A/L_B) * (T_B/T_A) = (1/2) * (75/25).
Step-by-Step Solution:
v_A : v_B = (1/2) * (75/25) = (1/2) * 3 = 3/2Hence, A : B = 3 : 2Verification / Alternative check:Let L_B = 2 units ⇒ L_A = 1. Then v_A = 1/25, v_B = 2/75 ⇒ ratio (1/25):(2/75) = 3:2 ✔
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 3:4 and 4:3 invert or misapply the length/time relation.
- “Couldn’t be determined” is incorrect; data suffices.
Common Pitfalls:
- Forgetting length is proportional to speed times time.
Final Answer:3 : 2