Speed Distance Time

Speed, Distance, Time (SDT) problems use the fundamental relationship: Distance = Speed × Time. These problems require calculating one variable when the other two are given. You must also handle unit conversions (km/h to m/s, minutes to hours) correctly.

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200+Practice Questions
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Introduction to Speed Distance Time

Speed, Distance, Time (SDT) problems use the fundamental relationship: Distance = Speed × Time. These problems require calculating one variable when the other two are given. You must also handle unit conversions (km/h to m/s, minutes to hours) correctly.

Prerequisites

Formula: Distance = Speed × Time Unit conversions (km/h to m/s = ×5/18) Time conversions (minutes to hours) Basic arithmetic
Why This Matters: Speed, Distance, Time problems are the most common in quantitative aptitude. You can expect 3-4 questions in SSC CGL, 3-4 in Banking PO, and 3-4 in Railways RRB exams.

How to Solve Speed Distance Time Problems

1

Step 1: Identify the unknown variable (Distance, Speed, or Time)

2

Step 2: Use formula D = S × T

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Step 3: Convert units to be consistent (km/h with hours, m/s with seconds)

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Step 4: Rearrange formula if needed: S = D/T, T = D/S

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Step 5: Calculate the result

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Step 6: Round to required decimal places

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Step 7: Answer with appropriate units

Pro Strategy: Always ensure units are consistent before calculation. Convert km/h to m/s by multiplying by 5/18; convert m/s to km/h by multiplying by 18/5.

Example Problem

Example: A car travels at 60 km/h for 2.5 hours. What distance does it cover? Solution: Step 1: Unknown = Distance Step 2: D = S × T = 60 × 2.5 = 150 km Answer: 150 km

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • km/h to m/s: multiply by 5/18 (or divide by 3.6)
  • m/s to km/h: multiply by 18/5 (or multiply by 3.6)
  • Time in minutes: convert to hours by dividing by 60
  • Distance in km, speed in km/h, time in hours is the standard combination
  • If two variables are given, the third is directly calculated

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

D = S × T, S = D/T, T = D/S
To convert km/h to m/s: S(m/s) = S(km/h) × 5/18
To convert m/s to km/h: S(km/h) = S(m/s) × 18/5

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing units (km with minutes, m with hours)
Forgetting to convert time to hours when speed is in km/h
Using wrong formula rearrangement

Exam Importance

Speed Distance Time is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
3-4 questions
BANKING PO
3-4 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
3-4 questions
CAT
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
3-4 questions

Ready to Master Speed Distance Time?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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