Question
CSATMediumPrelims 2025Maths

A tram overtakes 2 persons X and Y walking at 3 km/h and 4 km/h in the same direction and completely passes them in 8 s and 9 s respectively. What is the length of the tram?

Explanation

Let tram speed be aa km/h.

For both overtakes, the length (L) is the same: LL = (relative speed w.r.t. X) × 8 s = (relative speed w.r.t. Y) × 9 s

Relative speeds (in km/h): (a3)(a - 3) and (a4)(a - 4). The conversion to m/s cancels when equating: 8(a3)=9(a4)8a24=9a36a=128(a - 3) = 9(a - 4) \Rightarrow 8a - 24 = 9a - 36 \Rightarrow a = 12 km/h

Now compute LL using X: Relative speed = (123)=9(12 - 3) = 9 km/h = 9×(5/18)=2.59 \times (5/18) = 2.5 m/s L=2.5×8=20L = 2.5 \times 8 = 20 m

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