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Train Crossing

Train Crossing problems involve calculating the time a train takes to completely cross a stationary object (pole, platform, bridge, tunnel). The total distance covered equals the length of the train plus the length of the object (if any). These problems test understanding of relative motion with stationary objects.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks
Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Train Crossing

Train Crossing problems involve calculating the time a train takes to completely cross a stationary object (pole, platform, bridge, tunnel). The total distance covered equals the length of the train plus the length of the object (if any). These problems test understanding of relative motion with stationary objects.

Prerequisites

Speed = Distance/Time formula Unit conversions (km/h to m/s) Understanding of 'crossing' meaning Addition of lengths
Why This Matters: Train Crossing problems appear in 2-3 questions in SSC CGL, Banking PO, and Railways RRB exams. They are a staple of quantitative aptitude.

How to Solve Train Crossing Problems

1

Step 1: Identify the train length and object length

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Step 2: Total distance = Train length + Object length

3

Step 3: If object is a pole, object length = 0

4

Step 4: Convert speed to m/s if distance is in meters

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Step 5: Use formula: Time = Total distance / Speed

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Step 6: Calculate and round as needed

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Step 7: Answer with time in seconds

Pro Strategy: Always convert speed to m/s when distance is in meters. The total distance is always the sum of train length and object length (if the object has length). For a pole or man, object length = 0.

Example Problem

Example: A 200 m long train runs at 54 km/h. How long will it take to cross a 300 m long platform? Solution: Step 1: Train length = 200 m, Platform length = 300 m Step 2: Total distance = 200 + 300 = 500 m Step 3: Speed = 54 km/h = 54 × 5/18 = 15 m/s Step 4: Time = 500 / 15 = 33.33 seconds Answer: 33.33 seconds

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Crossing a pole: distance = train length
  • Crossing a platform: distance = train length + platform length
  • Crossing a bridge: distance = train length + bridge length
  • Crossing a tunnel: distance = train length + tunnel length
  • km/h to m/s: multiply by 5/18
  • Time in seconds = Distance (m) / Speed (m/s)

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Time for pole = Length_train / Speed_mps
Time for platform = (L_train + L_platform) / Speed_mps
Speed conversion: 36 km/h = 10 m/s, 54 km/h = 15 m/s, 72 km/h = 20 m/s

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to add object length for platforms/bridges
Not converting km/h to m/s
Using object length as total distance only (forgetting train length)

Exam Importance

Train Crossing is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

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

Ready to Master Train Crossing?

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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