A train running at $\frac{7}{11}$ of its own speed reached a place in 22 hours. How much time could be saved if the train would have run at its own speed?
Aptitude
Time and Distance
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A7 hours
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B8 hours
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C14 hours
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D16 hours
Answer
Correct Answer: 8 hours
Explanation
### Concept & Proportionality
When distance is constant, speed and time are inversely proportional.
$$S_1 \times T_1 = S_2 \times T_2$$
If speed becomes $\frac{a}{b}$ of its original, time becomes $\frac{b}{a}$ of its original.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* Let the usual speed be $S$ and usual time be $T$.
* The new speed is $\frac{7}{11}S$.
* Because speed and time are inversely proportional for a constant distance, the new time taken is $\frac{11}{7}T$.
* We are given the new time is 22 hours.
* $\frac{11}{7} \times T = 22$
* $T = 22 \times \frac{7}{11} = 14$ hours.
* The usual time taken would have been 14 hours.
* Time saved = New time - Usual time = $22 - 14 = 8$ hours.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Using ratios: Speed ratio is $11:7$ (original to new). Therefore, the time ratio is $7:11$ (original to new). If 11 units $= 22$ hours, 1 unit $= 2$ hours. The time saved is $11 - 7 = 4$ units. $4 \times 2 = 8$ hours.
### Common Pitfall
Students often calculate the usual time (14 hours) and incorrectly select it as the answer, forgetting that the question asks for the "time saved".
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **8 hours**.