Shortcut Trick
Ratio of Speed of Train to Man = 4 : 1
Since they move in opposite direction, Relative Ratio = 4 + 1 = 5 units
Relative Speed = Distance ÷ Time = 800 ÷ 8 = 100 m/s
5 units = 100 m/s ⇒ 1 unit = 20 m/s
Speed of Train (4 units) = 4 × 20 = 80 m/s
In km/hr: 80 × (18/5) = 288 km/hr
∴ The correct answer is 288 km/hr.
Alternate Method
Given:
Length of Train (L) = 800 m
Time taken (t) = 8 seconds
Let the Speed of Man be v m/s.
⇒ Speed of Train = 4v m/s
Formula:
Relative Speed (Opposite) = Speed of Train + Speed of Man
Relative Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Calculations:
⇒ 4v + v = 800 ÷ 8
⇒ 5v = 100
⇒ v = 20 m/s
⇒ Speed of Train = 4 × 20 = 80 m/s
⇒ To convert m/s to km/hr, multiply by 18/5:
⇒ Speed in km/hr = 80 × (18/5)
⇒ Speed in km/hr = 16 × 18
⇒ Speed in km/hr = 288 km/hr
∴ The correct answer is 288 km/hr.
Additional Information
Relative Speed Concept
When two objects move in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds (S1 + S2). If moving in the same direction, it is the difference |S1 − S2|.
Speed Unit Conversion
To convert speed from km/hr to m/s, multiply by 5/18. To convert from m/s to km/hr, multiply by 18/5.
Train Crossing a Moving Object
When a train crosses a man, pole, or tree, the total distance covered is always equal to the length of the train itself.