Two walkers start together for the same destination. One walks at 3.75 km/h and the other at 3 km/h. If the faster walker arrives 30 minutes earlier, what is the distance to the destination?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 7.5 km

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When two travelers cover the same distance at different constant speeds, the difference in their arrival times equals the distance times the difference of reciprocals of their speeds.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Speeds: v1 = 3.75 km/h, v2 = 3 km/h.
  • Time difference = 0.5 hour.
  • Both start simultaneously and go directly to the same point.


Concept / Approach:
Let distance be D. Then arrival time difference: D/3 - D/3.75 = 0.5. Solve for D.


Step-by-Step Solution:

D/3 - D/3.75 = 0.5D*(1/3 - 1/3.75) = 0.51/3.75 = 0.266666..., difference = 1/3 - 0.266666... = 0.066666...D = 0.5 / 0.066666... = 7.5 km


Verification / Alternative check:
Times: 7.5/3 = 2.5 h; 7.5/3.75 = 2 h; difference = 0.5 h as stated.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They do not satisfy the exact time-difference equation for the given pair of speeds.


Common Pitfalls:
Using average of speeds or average of times; the correct relation uses reciprocals of speeds for fixed distance.


Final Answer:
7.5 km

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