Kim and OM are travelling from point A to B, which are 400 km apart, travelling at a certain speed Kim takes one hour more than Om to reach point B. If Kim doubles her speed she will take 1 hour 30 mins less than Om to reach point B. At what speed was Kim driving from point A to B? (In kmph)
Aptitude
Time and Distance
Difficulty: Hard
Choose an option
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A90 kmph
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B70 kmph
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C160 kmph
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D80 kmph
Answer
Correct Answer: 80 kmph
Explanation
### Concept & Relative Time Difference
The problem provides a relationship between the times taken by two individuals at different speeds. By creating two equations based on the relationship $Time = \frac{Distance}{Speed}$, we can eliminate one variable to solve for the target speed.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Let Kim's initial speed be $K$ kmph and Om's speed be $O$ kmph.
2. The distance is 400 km.
3. First scenario: Kim takes 1 hour more than Om.
$$\frac{400}{K} - \frac{400}{O} = 1 \quad \text{--- (Equation 1)}$$
4. Second scenario: Kim doubles her speed (new speed = $2K$) and takes 1.5 hours less than Om.
$$\frac{400}{O} - \frac{400}{2K} = 1.5 \quad \text{--- (Equation 2)}$$
5. To find Kim's speed ($K$), add Equation 1 and Equation 2 to eliminate $O$:
$$\left(\frac{400}{K} - \frac{400}{O}\right) + \left(\frac{400}{O} - \frac{200}{K}\right) = 1 + 1.5$$
$$\frac{400}{K} - \frac{200}{K} = 2.5$$
$$\frac{200}{K} = 2.5$$
$$K = \frac{200}{2.5} = 80 \text{ kmph}$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Focus strictly on the change in Kim's time. Initially, she takes 1 hour more than Om. After doubling her speed, she takes 1.5 hours less.
Total time saved by doubling her speed = $1 + 1.5 = 2.5$ hours.
Let her normal time be $T$. If speed is doubled, time becomes $T/2$.
Time saved = $T - T/2 = T/2$.
So, $T/2 = 2.5 \Rightarrow T = 5$ hours.
Her original speed = $Distance / T = 400 / 5 = 80$ kmph.
### Common Pitfall
Getting bogged down in finding Om's speed first. Notice that adding the two time difference equations neatly cancels out Om's time variable, saving valuable calculation minutes.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **80 kmph**.