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A 300 metre long train crosses a platform in 39 seconds while it crosses a signal pole in 18 seconds. What is the length of the platform?

Correct Answer: 350 m

Explanation:

Step 1: Understand the problem

  • The train is 300 meters long.
  • It takes 18 seconds to pass a signal pole.
  • It takes 39 seconds to cross a platform.
  • We need to find the length of the platform.

Step 2: Calculate the speed of the train

  • When a train crosses a signal pole, it covers a distance equal to its own length.
  • Speed = Distance / Time = 300 / 18 = 16.67 m/s

Step 3: Use speed to find platform length

  • When a train crosses a platform, it covers its own length + length of platform.
  • Total time to cross platform = 39 seconds
  • Distance = Speed × Time = 16.67 × 39 = 650.13 meters
  • Distance includes 300 meters of train + platform length
  • Platform length = 650.13 - 300 = 350.13 meters

Answer: The length of the platform is approximately 350 meters.


This problem demonstrates how to calculate distance using the formula distance = speed × time. Knowing how long the train takes to cross a pole helps us calculate its speed, which we can then use to determine how long a platform is when the total time is known.

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