Train Problems: Concept & Selected Practice Question With Answer

When it comes to dealing with train problems, swift solutions are key. Mastering train problems not only enhances your aptitude skills but also your likelihood of being selected in competitive exams.

Understanding Basic Concept

To begin with, let us understand the basic concept of train problems:

Key Terms

Train problems in mathematics involve the calculation of distances, speeds, and time-related to trains.

Formulas Used

To solve train problem questions, one must be familiar with the basic formulas. The formula for calculating speed is Speed = Distance/Time. Another essential formula is Time = Distance/Speed.

Types Of Problems

Different types of train-related problems include scenarios where two trains are moving towards each other, away from each other, or at angles concerning each other's direction.

Importance Of Train Problems In Aptitude

Mastering training problems is crucial for excelling in competitive exams. Regular practice with train problems sharpens analytical and mathematical reasoning skills.

It enhances the ability to interpret complex data quickly and accurately using a systematic approach and logical reasoning.

Train Problems In Government Exams

Train problems hold a significant place in various government exams, especially in the realm of aptitude tests. These problems assess candidates' analytical and quantitative aptitude, crucial for roles in government sectors.

In bank exams like IBPS PO and SBI Clerk, train problems are commonly included to evaluate candidates' mathematical abilities. Apart from railway and bank exams, other government recruitment tests like SSC CGL and UPSC also incorporate train problems.

Tips To Solve Train Problems

Let us study some of the tips to solve train problems:

Shortcut Techniques

Utilize shortcuts and tricks to efficiently tackle train problem questions. Identify the type of problem - whether it involves finding speed, distance, or time.

Practice Scenarios

Practice applying techniques to various train-related scenarios. Create scenarios with different complexities to enhance your problem-solving skills.

Selected Practice Questions & Answers

Practice a range of train problem questions to strengthen your understanding of different scenarios. Provided below are some of the best-selected questions on train problems:

Question 1: A train travels 60 km in 1 hour. How far will it travel in 5 hours?

a) 120 km

b) 240 km

c) 300 km

d) 360 km

Answer: c) 300 km

Explanation: The train travels at a speed of 60 km/hour. So, in 5 hours, it will travel 60 × 5 = 300 km.

Question 2: Two trains are travelling towards each other at speeds of 60 km/h and 90 km/h respectively. They start at a distance of 150 km from each other. How long will it take for the two trains to meet?

a) 1 hour

b) 2 hours

c) 3 hours

d) 4 hours

Answer: a) 1 hour

Explanation: The two trains are moving towards each other, so their relative speed is 60 + 90 = 150 km/h. The distance between them is 150 km, so they will meet in 150 / 150 = 1 hour.

Question 3: A train travels at a speed of 80 km/h. How long will it take to travel a distance of 320 km?

a) 2 hours

b) 3 hours

c) 4 hours

d) 5 hours

Answer: c) 4 hours

Explanation: The train travels at a speed of 80 km/hour. So, to travel a distance of 320 km, it will take 320 / 80 = 4 hours.

Question 4: A train travels a distance of 450 km in 5 hours. What is the speed of the train?

a) 70 km/h

b) 80 km/h

c) 90 km/h

d) 100 km/h

Answer: c) 90 km/h

Explanation: The train travels a distance of 450 km in 5 hours. So, the speed of the train is 450 / 5 = 90 km/h.

Question 5: A train travels at a speed of 120 km/h. How far will it travel in 2.5 hours?

a) 200 km

b) 250 km

c) 300 km

d) 350 km

Answer:c) 300 km

Explanation: The train travels at a speed of 120 km/hour. So, in 2.5 hours, it will travel 120 × 2.5 = 300 km.

Question 6: Two trains are travelling towards each other at speeds of 70 km/h and 80 km/h respectively. They start at a distance of 210 km from each other. How long will it take for the two trains to meet?

a) 1 hour

b) 1.4 hours

c) 2 hours

d) 2.4 hours

Answer: b) 1.4 hours

Explanation: The two trains are moving towards each other, so their relative speed is 70 + 80 = 150 km/h. The distance between them is 210 km, so they will meet in 210 / 150 = 1.4 hours, which is approximately 1.5 hours.

Question 7: A train travels at a speed of 100 km/h. How long will it take to travel a distance of 450 km?

a) 3.5 hours

b) 4 hours

c) 4.5 hours

d) 5 hours

Answer: c) 4.5 hours

Explanation: The train travels at a speed of 100 km/hour. So, to travel a distance of 450 km, it will take 450 / 100 = 4.5 hours.

Question 8: A train travels a distance of 600 km in 4 hours. What is the speed of the train?

a) 120 km/h

b) 130 km/h

c) 140 km/h

d) 150 km/h

Answer: d) 150 km/h

Explanation: The train travels a distance of 600 km in 4 hours. So, the speed of the train is 600 / 4 = 150 km/h.

Question 9: A train travels at a speed of 90 km/h. How far will it travel in 3.5 hours?

a) 280 km

b) 300 km

c) 315 km

d) 330 km

Answer: c) 315 km

Explanation: The train travels at a speed of 90 km/hour. So, in 3.5 hours, it will travel 90 × 3.5 = 315 km.

Question 10: Two trains are travelling towards each other at speeds of 80 km/h and 100 km/h respectively. They start at a distance of 360 km from each other. How long will it take for the two trains to meet?

a) 1.5 hours

b) 2 hours

c) 2.5 hours

d) 3 hours

Answer: b) 2 hours

Explanation: The two trains are moving towards each other, so their relative speed is 80 + 100 = 180 km/h. The distance between them is 360 km, so they will meet in 360 / 180 = 2 hours.

Conclusion

Now that you have grasped the basic concepts, understood the importance of train problems in aptitude tests, learned how to tackle them effectively, and practised with various examples, you are well-equipped to excel in solving train problems for government exams. Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep honing your skills by solving more problems regularly to boost your confidence and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are train problems in aptitude tests?

Train problems in aptitude tests involve calculating the speed, distance, or time taken by a train to travel between two points. These problems help test your mathematical abilities and logical reasoning skills.

2. Why are train problems important for government exams?

Train problems are commonly included in government exam aptitude sections to assess candidates' analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and time management. Mastering train problems can significantly improve your overall score in these exams.

3. How can I effectively solve train problems for government exams?

To solve train problems efficiently for government exams, it is crucial to understand the basic concepts, practice regularly with different scenarios, use shortcut techniques, and manage your time wisely during the exam.

4. What is the significance of understanding basic concepts for solving train problems?

Understanding basic concepts such as relative speed, distance-speed-time formulae, and direction of movement is essential for tackling various types of train problems accurately and quickly. It forms the foundation for solving complex train-related questions.

5. Where can I find practice questions and solved examples for train problems?

You can find train problems in aptitude books, online resources, educational websites, and specific government exam preparation materials.

Suggested reads:

• What Is Mensuration: Formulas With Top Selected Question & Answer
• Harmonic Progression- Formula With Selected Questions & Answers 
• Mixture And Alligation: Explained With Selected Question & Answer
• Boats And Streams: Formula, Top Question With Solution (Aptitude)
• Clock Questions: Selected Question & Answer (Aptitude) Explained