Speed Time and Distance – Guide for Competitive Exams

Speed Time and Distance is one of the most essential topics in the Quantitative Aptitude section of competitive exams such as SSC CGL, RRB NTPC, IBPS PO/Clerk, CDS, and others. These questions are not only scoring but also concept-based and logical. In real life, this topic plays a crucial role. From calculating how long it’ll take to reach your destination to estimating traffic or scheduling logistics—Speed, Time, and Distance are constantly at play. That’s why mastering this chapter helps you not only in exams but also in improving your analytical thinking.

This complete guide from www.workinassam.com will simplify the concepts, boost your accuracy, and sharpen your preparation strategy.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Let’s begin by understanding the core concepts:

• Speed: The distance covered per unit of time.
  • Formula: Speed = Distance / Time
  • Units: km/h (kilometres per hour), m/s (meters per second)
• Time: The total duration taken to travel from one point to another.
  • Formula: Time = Distance / Speed
  • Units: hours, minutes, or seconds
• Distance: The total length of the path traveled by a moving object.
  • Formula: Distance = Speed × Time
  • Units: kilometres, meters
• Uniform Speed: When an object moves at a constant speed throughout the journey.
• Relative Speed: When two objects are moving at the same time, relative to each other:
  • Same Direction: Relative Speed = Speed₁ − Speed₂
  • Opposite Direction: Relative Speed = Speed₁ + Speed₂
• Unit Conversions:
  🔄 1 km/h = 5/18 m/s
  🔄 1 m/s = 18/5 km/h

Important Formulas to Remember

Here are the core formulas you’ll need for solving problems:

These formulas are your go-to tools. Commit them to memory!

Solved Examples (Easy to Difficult)

Example 1: A car covers a distance of 120 km in 2 hours. What is its speed?

Example 2: A man walks at 5 km/h and is 10 minutes late to work. If he walks at 6 km/h, he reaches 5 minutes early. Find the distance to his workplace.

Example 3: Two trains are 240 m and 160 m long respectively. They cross each other in 10 seconds when moving in opposite directions. Find their combined speed in km/h.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. A train travels 150 km in 2.5 hours. What is its speed?
   a) 55 km/h b) 60 km/h c) 65 km/h d) 75 km/h
   Show Answer

   Answer: d) 75 km/h

2. A person walks 5 km in 1 hour. How many meters does he walk in a second?
   a) 1.25 m/s b) 1.38 m/s c) 1.5 m/s d) 2 m/s
   Show Answer

   Answer: a) 1.25 m/s

3. If a train covers 100 meters in 10 seconds, what is its speed in km/h?
   a) 36 km/h b) 18 km/h c) 60 km/h d) 72 km/h
   Show Answer

   Answer: a) 36 km/h

4. Convert 72 km/h into m/s.
   a) 18 m/s b) 20 m/s c) 22 m/s d) 24 m/s
   Show Answer

   Answer: b) 20 m/s

5. Two trains moving in opposite directions at 60 km/h and 90 km/h will take how many seconds to cross each other if their lengths are 300m and 200m respectively?
   
   Show Answer

   Total length = 500 m
   Relative Speed = 150 km/h = 41.67 m/s
   Time = 500 / 41.67 ≈ 12 seconds

Tips & Tricks / Shortcuts

💡 Here are some smart hacks for quick solving:

• Memorize conversions like:
  • 36 km/h = 10 m/s
  • 54 km/h = 15 m/s
  • 72 km/h = 20 m/s
• Use LCM Method in problems involving equal distances at different speeds.
• Train Crossing a Pole:
  Time = Length of train / Speed
• Train Crossing a Platform:
  Time = (Length of train + Platform) / Speed
• Relative Speed logic is especially useful in boat & stream and race problems.

Speed, Time, and Distance is a scoring topic if your concepts are clear and you’re consistent with practice. Don’t just memorize formulas—apply them to real-world problems. Practice daily from reliable sources like www.workinassam.com to stay ahead in your exam prep. With regular effort, you’ll be quick and accurate in this topic.

“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just focus on practice and excellence, and success will follow you.”