Time taken by two trains running in opposite directions to cross a man standing near a pole is 48 seconds and 38 seconds respectively and it took 42 seconds for the trains to cross each other. What is the ratio of the speed of the trains?

Question

Question

Answer 1

Given:

Both trains running in the opposite direction

Both trains cross the man in 48 seconds and 38 seconds

Formula used:

Speed= distance/time

Relative speed = when train in opposite direction = (x+y) m/s

Calculation:

Let the speed of trains be x m/s and y m/s respectively

Length of the first train = speed × time = 48x

Length of the second train = speed × time = 38y

\(\frac{{48x + 38y}}{{x + y}} = 42\)

⇒\(48x + 38y = 42x + 42y\)

⇒ \(6x = 4y\)

⇒\(\frac{x}{y} = \frac{2}{3}\)

∴ The ratio of the speed of the trains is 2 : 3