Time Distance Speed Flashcards — Free Study Cards | czed

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CAT (cloned) / Time Distance Speed

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Time, Speed & Distance (TSD) - CAT Preparation

Question

What is the fundamental relationship between time, speed, and distance expressed in its most basic formula?

Answer

Distance = Speed × Time. This is the core equation from which all other TSD relationships are derived.

Question

If speed is doubled while time remains constant, what happens to the distance covered?

Answer

Distance doubles. This demonstrates the direct proportionality between speed and distance when time is constant.

Question

How is relative speed calculated for two objects moving in opposite directions?

Answer

Relative speed = Speed₁ + Speed₂. Their speeds add up because they are closing the gap between them.

Question

How is relative speed calculated for two objects moving in the same direction?

Answer

Relative speed = |Speed₁ - Speed₂|. It is the absolute difference, representing the rate at which the gap between them changes.

Question

In boats and streams problems, what is the formula for the speed of the boat in still water given its upstream and downstream speeds?

Answer

Speed in still water = (Downstream Speed + Upstream Speed) / 2. This averages out the effect of the stream's current.

Question

How do you calculate the speed of the stream in a boats and streams problem?

Answer

Speed of stream = (Downstream Speed - Upstream Speed) / 2. This isolates the current's contribution to the boat's speed.

Question

On a circular track, if two runners start from the same point and run in the same direction, when do they meet for the first time?

Answer

They meet when the faster runner gains one full lap on the slower runner. The time is Track Length / Relative Speed (difference).

Question

On a circular track, if two runners start from the same point and run in opposite directions, when do they meet for the first time?

Answer

They meet when the sum of the distances covered equals the track length. The time is Track Length / Relative Speed (sum).

Question

What is the correct method to calculate average speed for a journey with multiple parts?

Answer

Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time. You must calculate the time for each segment individually before summing.

Question

Why is it incorrect to simply average the speeds of different journey segments to find the overall average speed?

Answer

Because average speed is a weighted harmonic mean based on time, not a simple arithmetic mean. It depends on the time spent at each speed.

Question

When a train crosses a pole (a stationary object with negligible length), what distance does it cover?

Answer

The train covers a distance equal to its own length. Time taken = (Length of Train) / (Speed of Train).

Question

When a train crosses a platform, what total distance must it cover?

Answer

It must cover the sum of its own length and the length of the platform. Time = (Train Length + Platform Length) / Speed.

Question

According to CAT strategy, what type of TSD questions are considered 'low-hanging fruit' and should be attempted first?

Answer

Questions involving direct formula application (Average Speed, Relative Speed), simple boats & streams, or train lengths.

Question

What is a key time-saving mental math conversion to remember for TSD problems?

Answer

To convert km/h to m/s, multiply by 5/18. To convert m/s to km/h, multiply by 18/5.

Question

What is the recommended time allocation per TSD question in the CAT exam?

Answer

Aim for 1.5 to 2.5 minutes per question. Use strategies like backsolving from options or approximation to save time.

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