Example 1
A train running at 36 km/h crosses a pole in 8 seconds. What is the length of the train?
Answer: B) 80 m
36 km/h = 36 × 5/18 = 10 m/s; length = 10 × 8 = 80 m.
Speed, Time and Distance (Trains) questions for competitive exams: rules, worked examples and practice
Speed, time and distance questions use one relationship: distance = speed × time. Train questions add the length of the train (and of the platform or bridge).
Key rules and formulas
- Distance = speed × time.
- km/h to m/s: multiply by 5/18; m/s to km/h: multiply by 18/5.
- A train crossing a pole covers its own length; crossing a platform covers train + platform length.
- Relative speed: add speeds for opposite directions, subtract for the same direction.
Common traps
- Not converting units before calculating.
- Leaving out the train's own length when it crosses a platform.
Where Speed, Time and Distance (Trains) is asked
- IBPS Clerk Prelims (Numerical Ability)
- IBPS PO Prelims (Quantitative Aptitude)
- RRB Group D (Mathematics)
- RRB NTPC CBT 1 (Mathematics)
- SBI Clerk Prelims (Numerical Ability)
- SBI PO Prelims (Quantitative Aptitude)
- SSC CGL Tier 1 (Quantitative Aptitude)
- SSC CGL Tier 2 (Mathematical Abilities)
- SSC CHSL Tier 1 (Quantitative Aptitude)
Worked examples
Example 2
If a train travels 360 km in 4 hours, what is its speed in m/s?
Answer: B) 25 m/s
Speed = 360/4 = 90 km/h = 90 * (5/18) = 25 m/s.
Example 3
A train running at 90 km/h crosses a pole in 14 seconds. What is the length of the train?
Answer: B) 350 m
90 km/h = 90 × 5/18 = 25 m/s; length = 25 × 14 = 350 m.
More Speed, Time and Distance (Trains) practice questions
Frequently asked questions
What is Speed, Time and Distance (Trains) in competitive exams?
Speed, time and distance questions use one relationship: distance = speed × time. Train questions add the length of the train (and of the platform or bridge).
Which exams ask Speed, Time and Distance (Trains) questions?
On MockBazaar, Speed, Time and Distance (Trains) questions appear in IBPS Clerk Prelims, IBPS PO Prelims, RRB Group D, RRB NTPC CBT 1, SBI Clerk Prelims, SBI PO Prelims, SSC CGL Tier 1, SSC CGL Tier 2, SSC CHSL Tier 1.
What is the most common mistake in Speed, Time and Distance (Trains)?
Not converting units before calculating.