A train passes a station platform in 50 seconds and a man standing on the platform in 34 seconds. If the speed of the train is 29 m/s, what is the length of the platform? (meter)

1. A

   466

2. B

   464

3. C

   470

4. D

   468

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

• The core principle is that the extra time the train takes to pass the platform (compared to passing a point object like a man) is the time it takes to cover the length of the platform.
• Time taken to cross the man (its own length) = 34 seconds.
• Time taken to cross the platform (its own length + platform length) = 50 seconds.
• Therefore, the time taken to cover just the platform's length is the difference: 50 s - 34 s = 16 seconds.
• Using the formula Distance = Speed × Time, the length of the platform is calculated.
• Length of Platform = 29 m/s × 16 s = 464 meters.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This is an incorrect calculation. It may result from a miscalculation in the time difference or the final multiplication (e.g., 29 x 16.07).
• Option C: This is an incorrect calculation. It might arise from rounding the speed or time, or an arithmetic error.
• Option D: This is an incorrect calculation. It could be a result of a simple multiplication error (e.g., 29 x 16 = 468).

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Diagram - A two-part diagram. Part A shows the train covering its own length as it passes a man. Part B shows the train covering its length plus the platform's length as it crosses the platform. This helps visualize the distances involved.
• Visual 2: Formula - A graphic showing the key formulas: Distance = Speed × Time, and Length of Platform = Speed × (Time to cross platform - Time to cross man).

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Time, Speed, and Distance Problems involving Trains as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This question assesses quantitative aptitude, a component of the general intelligence section in many nursing entrance and recruitment exams.
• While not directly related to clinical skills, proficiency in basic mathematics is essential for tasks like drug dosage calculations, IV drip rate monitoring, and interpreting medical charts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, honed by practicing such questions, are transferable to the high-pressure environment of clinical decision-making.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify all the given values: Speed of the train (29 m/s), time to pass a man (34 s), and time to pass a platform (50 s).
• Understand the relationship: The time to pass a man corresponds to the train covering its own length. The time to pass a platform corresponds to the train covering its length plus the platform's length.
• Recognize the shortcut: The difference in time (50s - 34s) is the time the train takes to cover the length of the platform alone.
• Calculate this time difference: 50 - 34 = 16 seconds.
• Apply the fundamental formula: Distance = Speed × Time.
• Multiply the train's speed by the calculated time difference to find the platform's length: 29 m/s × 16 s = 464 m.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Time, Speed, and Distance Problems involving Trains
• Stem keywords: train, station platform, man standing, speed, length, time
• Lead-in keywords: what is the length
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Qd-zdiymFnIaF0h70NJ-w8

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