Multiple choice

Two cyclists begin to ride towards each other from the opposite ends of an 1800-m track at the speeds of 28 kmph and 26 kmph. As they set off, a bird dashes from the cap of one of the cyclists to the cap of the other cyclist at 90 kmph and having done so, it reverts to the cap of the first cyclist and thus, to and fro till the two cyclists meet. How much total distance does the bird fly?

  1. 3 km

  2. 3.5 km

  3. 4.2 km

  4. 4.8 km

  5. 5 km
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The cyclists meet when the distance between them is covered at their relative speed. Relative speed = 28 + 26 = 54 kmph. Time to meet = 1.8 km / 54 kmph = 1/30 hours. The bird flies at 90 kmph for the entire duration. Distance = 90 * (1/30) = 3 km.

AI explanation

Using the concept of relative speed, the two cyclists approach each other at 28 kmph + 26 kmph = 54 kmph. The 1800 m (1.8 km) track is covered in 1.8 / 54 hours, which equals 1/30 of an hour or 2 minutes. The bird flies at a constant speed of 90 kmph for this exact duration, so the distance it covers is 90 multiplied by 1/30, yielding 3 km.

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