The speeds of A and B are in the ratio 3 : 4. A takes 20 minutes more than B to reach a destination. In what time does A reach the destination?
Aptitude
Time and Distance
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A$1\frac{1}{3}$ hours
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B$1\frac{2}{3}$ hours
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C2 hours
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D$2\frac{2}{3}$ hours
Answer
Correct Answer: $1\frac{1}{3}$ hours
Explanation
### Concept & Ratios in Kinematics
When distance is constant, the ratio of times taken by two bodies is the inverse of the ratio of their speeds.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Set up Ratios:** The ratio of speeds of A and B is $3 : 4$.
* Therefore, the ratio of time taken by A and B is $4 : 3$.
* **Assign Variables:** Let the time taken by A be $4x$ and by B be $3x$.
* **Use Given Condition:** A takes 20 minutes more than B. So, $4x - 3x = 20$, which means $x = 20$.
* **Calculate A's Time:** Time taken by A = $4x = 4 \times 20 = 80$ minutes.
* **Format Answer:** 80 minutes is equal to $1$ hour and $20$ minutes, or $1\frac{20}{60} = 1\frac{1}{3}$ hours.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Notice the gap in the time ratio parts: A takes 4 parts of time, B takes 3 parts. The difference is 1 part. We are given this 1 part difference is exactly 20 minutes. Therefore, A's time (4 parts) is simply $4 \times 20 = 80$ minutes without formal algebra.
### Common Pitfall
Solving for $x$ correctly but mistakenly calculating the time for B (60 minutes) instead of A, or botching the conversion from 80 minutes into a mixed fractional hour.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **$1\frac{1}{3}$ hours**.