Beating distance from 1 km times: A runs 1 km in 3 min 10 s (190 s), and B runs 1 km in 3 min 20 s (200 s). Starting together for 1 km, by what distance does A beat B?
Aptitude
Races and Games
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A50 m
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B30 m
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C36 m
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D60 m
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: 50 m
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Given individual 1 km times, compute how far the slower runner has run when the faster finishes; the shortfall is the winning distance.
Given Data / Assumptions:A: 1000 m in 190 s; B: 1000 m in 200 s; uniform speeds.
Concept / Approach:At t = 190 s (A's finish), B's distance is (190/200)*1000. Margin is 1000 minus this distance.
Step-by-Step Solution:
B's distance at 190 s = 1000 * 190/200 = 950 mWinning margin = 1000 − 950 = 50 mVerification / Alternative check:Speeds are 1000/190 and 1000/200 m/s; proportional comparison yields the same 50 m difference.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:30/36/60 are typical distractors from ratio misapplication.
Common Pitfalls:Subtracting times instead of comparing distances at the same time instant.
Final Answer:50 m