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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics · Time and Distance

Two cyclists start at the same time from the same point on a circular track of length 600 m and move in opposite directions at 4 m/s and 6 m/s. After how many seconds will they meet for the third time?

They meet for the third time after 180 seconds. Moving in opposite directions their relative speed is 10 m/s, and each meeting needs a combined 600 m. Three meetings need 1800 m, so the time is 1800 divided by 10, equal to 180 seconds.

  1. A60 seconds
  2. B120 seconds
  3. C180 secondsCorrect
  4. D300 seconds

Explanation

In opposite directions the relative speed is 4 + 6 = 10 m/s. They meet for the first time when together they cover 600 m, which takes 60 s. The third meeting occurs after together covering 3 x 600 = 1800 m, so time = 1800/10 = 180 s. Choosing 60 s counts only the first meeting.

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