Shortcut Trick
Relative speed of trains in the same direction = 90 − 80 = 10 km/h.
Convert to m/s: 10 × (5/18) = 25/9 m/s.
Total distance to cross = Length of both trains = 340 + 360 = 700 m.
Time taken = Distance ÷ Relative Speed = 700 × (9/25) = 252 seconds.
Convert time to minutes = 252 ÷ 60 = 4.2 minutes.
∴ The correct answer is 4.2 minutes.
Alternate Method
Given:
Length of the faster train (L1) = 360 m
Length of the slower train (L2) = 340 m
Speed of the faster train (S1) = 90 km/h
Speed of the slower train (S2) = 80 km/h
360 m
90 km/h →
340 m
80 km/h →
Total Distance = 700 m
Relative Speed = 90 − 80 = 10 km/h
Time = 4.2 mins
Formula Used:
Relative Speed (Same Direction) = S1 − S2
Time Taken = Total Length ÷ Relative Speed
Calculations:
⇒ Total Length to cross = L1 + L2 = 360 + 340 = 700 m
⇒ Relative Speed = 90 − 80 = 10 km/h
⇒ Convert relative speed to m/s = 10 × (5/18) = 25/9 m/s
⇒ Time Taken (in seconds) = 700 ÷ (25/9)
⇒ Time Taken = (700 × 9) ÷ 25
⇒ Time Taken = 28 × 9 = 252 seconds
⇒ Convert seconds to minutes = 252 ÷ 60 = 4.2 minutes
∴ The correct answer is 4.2 minutes.
Additional Information
Relative Speed in Same Direction
When two objects travel in the same direction, their relative speed is calculated by taking the difference of their individual speeds: Relative Speed = S1 − S2.
Relative Speed in Opposite Directions
When two objects travel towards each other in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds: Relative Speed = S1 + S2.
Distance Covered in Train Crossings
When a train completely crosses another moving or stationary train, a platform, or a bridge, the total distance covered is always the sum of both their lengths (L1 + L2).
Speed Conversions
To convert km/h to m/s, multiply the speed by 5/18. To convert m/s back to km/h, multiply by 18/5.