Multiple choice

A train leaves city X for city Y, a distance of 1600 km. At the same time, a train leaves city Y for city X. The trains meet at city Z which is at a distance of 700 km from city Y. What is the ratio of the speeds of the trains?

  1. 17 : 9

  2. 16 : 7

  3. 9 : 16

  4. 9 : 7

  5. Data insufficient
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The trains travel for the same amount of time. Train 1 travels 900 km (1600 - 700) while Train 2 travels 700 km. Since speed equals distance divided by time, the ratio of their speeds is the same as the ratio of their distances, which is 900:700 or 9:7.

AI explanation

Let the speeds of the trains starting from X and Y be Sx and Sy. Since the trains start at the same time and meet after the same duration, the ratio of their speeds equals the ratio of the distances they travel. The train from Y travels 700 km, so the train from X travels 1600 minus 700, which equals 900 km. Therefore, the ratio of their speeds is 900 to 700, which simplifies to 9 to 7.

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