$A$ is travelling at 72 km per hour on a highway while $B$ is travelling at a speed of 25 metres per second. What is the difference in their speeds in metres per second?
Aptitude
Time and Distance
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A$1 \frac{1}{2}$ m/sec
-
B2 m/sec
-
C3 m/sec
-
D5 m/sec
Answer
Correct Answer: 5 m/sec
Explanation
### Concept & Unit Standardization
Before comparing or finding the difference between two speeds, they must be expressed in the exact same units. We will convert km/hr to m/sec using the standard multiplier.
$$ \text{Speed in m/sec} = \text{Speed in km/hr} \times \frac{5}{18} $$
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given:** Speed of $A$ = $72$ km/hr, Speed of $B$ = $25$ m/sec.
* **Convert A's speed:**
* Speed of $A$ in m/sec $= 72 \times \frac{5}{18}$
* $= 4 \times 5 = 20$ m/sec.
* **Calculate the difference:**
* Difference = Speed of $B$ - Speed of $A$
* Difference $= 25 - 20 = 5$ m/sec.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Recognize common km/hr to m/sec conversions instantly. $18$ km/hr = $5$ m/sec, $36$ km/hr = $10$ m/sec, $54$ km/hr = $15$ m/sec, $72$ km/hr = $20$ m/sec. Memorizing these multiples of $18$ allows you to bypass the calculation step entirely and immediately see the difference is $25 - 20 = 5$.
### Common Pitfall
Subtracting the raw numbers ($72 - 25$) without noticing the mixed units (km/hr vs m/sec). Always standardize units before performing arithmetic operations.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **5 m/sec**.