Multiple choice

Two trains leave the same station at different times and run in the same direction on parallel tracks. Train A leaves at 9 a.m. and runs at an average speed of 60 kilometers per hour. Train B leaves two hours later and runs at an average speed of 75 kilometers per hour. At what time will Train B overtake Train A?

  1. 2 p.m

  2. 5 p.m

  3. 6 p.m

  4. 7 p.m

  5. 9 p.m

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Train A has a 2-hour head start, covering 120 km. The relative speed is 75 - 60 = 15 km/h. Time to overtake is 120 / 15 = 8 hours after Train B starts. Since Train B starts at 11 a.m., it overtakes at 7 p.m.

AI explanation

By the time Train B leaves at 11 a.m., Train A has travelled for 2 hours at 60 km/hr, creating a lead of 120 km. The relative speed is 75 minus 60 equals 15 km/hr, so the time required to close the gap is 120 divided by 15 equals 8 hours. Adding 8 hours to Train B's 11 a.m. departure time results in an overtaking time of 7 p.m.