A man performs 2/15 of the total journey by rail, 9/20 by bus and the remaining 10 km, on the cycle. His total journey is
Aptitude
Time and Distance
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A31.2 km
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B38.4 km
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C32.8 km
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D24 km
Answer
Correct Answer: 24 km
Explanation
### Concept & Fractional Parts of a Whole Journey
To find the total distance, we add the given fractions of the journey and subtract the sum from 1 (the whole). This remaining fraction corresponds exactly to the absolute remaining distance provided in the problem.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Let the total distance of the journey be $D$.
2. The fractions of the journey covered by rail and bus are $\frac{2}{15}$ and $\frac{9}{20}$, respectively.
3. Add these fractions together. The least common multiple (LCM) of 15 and 20 is 60.
$$\frac{2}{15} + \frac{9}{20} = \frac{2 \times 4}{60} + \frac{9 \times 3}{60} = \frac{8}{60} + \frac{27}{60} = \frac{35}{60}$$
4. Simplify the combined fraction:
$$\frac{35}{60} = \frac{7}{12}$$
5. Determine the fraction representing the remaining journey on the cycle:
$$1 - \frac{7}{12} = \frac{5}{12}$$
6. We are given that this remaining fraction equals 10 km. Therefore:
$$\frac{5}{12} \text{ of } D = 10 \text{ km}$$
7. Solve for $D$:
$$D = 10 \times \frac{12}{5} = 2 \times 12 = 24 \text{ km}$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Use the LCM of the denominators (15 and 20) to assume a hypothetical total distance. Let the total distance be 60 units.
Rail journey = $\frac{2}{15}$ of 60 = 8 units.
Bus journey = $\frac{9}{20}$ of 60 = 27 units.
Total covered = $8 + 27 = 35$ units.
Remaining distance = $60 - 35 = 25$ units.
The problem states the remaining distance is 10 km.
So, 25 units = 10 km. We need the value of 60 units.
Total Distance = $\frac{10}{25} \times 60 = \frac{2}{5} \times 60 = 24$ km.
### Common Pitfall
Incorrectly calculating the least common multiple of the fractions or making a basic arithmetic error during addition, leading to a wrong remaining fraction.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **24 km**.