Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 8 km, 6 km
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Both travellers start together and traverse the entire 24 km, one going from A to B and the other from B to A. Let the slower speed be v km/h and the faster be v + 2. The faster arrives 1 hour earlier, giving a time-difference equation that can be solved for v directly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Arrival times: T_fast = 24/(v+2), T_slow = 24/v. Since the faster arrives earlier by 1 h: T_slow − T_fast = 1. Solve for v by clearing denominators.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Times: 24/6 = 4 h; 24/8 = 3 h; difference = 1 h as required.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other pairs do not differ by exactly 2 km/h or do not yield a 1-hour arrival gap over 24 km.
Common Pitfalls:
Using relative speed meeting-time equations instead of whole-journey arrival times; mixing roles of the two speeds.
Final Answer:
8 km, 6 km
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