Question 69

# A train travelled at one-thirds of its usual speed, and hence reached the destination 30 minutes after the scheduled time. On its return journey, the train initially travelled at its usual speed for 5 minutes but then stopped for 4 minutes for an emergency. The percentage by which the train must now increase its usual speed so as to reach the destination at the scheduled time, is nearest to

Solution

Let the total distance be 'D' km and the speed of the train be 's' kmph. The time taken to cover D at speed d is 't' hours. Based on the information: on equating the distance, we get $$s\ \times\ t\ =\ \frac{s}{3}\times\ \left(t+\frac{1}{2}\right)$$
On solving we acquire the value of $$\ t\ =\frac{1}{4}$$ or 15 mins. We understand that during the return journey, the first 5 minutes are spent traveling at speed 's' {distance traveled in terms of s = $$\ \frac{s}{12}$$}. Remaining distance in terms of 's' = $$\ \frac{s}{4}-\frac{s}{12}\ =\frac{s}{6}$$

The rest 4 minutes of stoppage added to this initial 5 minutes amounts to a total of 9 minutes. The train has to complete the rest of the journey in $$15 - 9 = 6 mins$$ or {1/10 hours}. Thus, let 'x' kmph be the new value of speed. Based on the above, we get $$\frac{s}{\frac{6}{x}}\ =\frac{1}{10}\ or\ x\ =\frac{10s}{6}$$

Since the increase in speed needs to be calculated: $$\frac{\left(\frac{10s}{6}\ -s\right)}{s}\times\ 100\ =\frac{200}{3}\approx\ 67\%$$ increase.

Hence, Option C is the correct answer.