Solve Number Theory Problem to Find Time for Express Bus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a number theory problem involving two types of buses (Express and Regular) traveling between multiple stations. Participants explore the time taken by each bus to reach the final station, considering their speeds, stopping patterns, and departure times. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to travel time calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem and notes the answer key states the Express bus took 80 minutes, expressing confusion about how this was derived.
  • Another participant formulates equations for the travel times of both buses, suggesting that the time for the Regular bus includes travel time and stops, while the Express bus time includes a delay due to its later departure.
  • A subsequent post attempts to solve the equations derived, showing steps to isolate variables and calculate distances and times, but does not reach a consensus on the final answer.
  • Another participant proposes a different approach using variables for speeds and times, leading to a calculation that suggests the Express bus took 98 minutes, which contradicts the earlier stated answer of 80 minutes.
  • One participant reiterates the earlier equations and emphasizes the need to adjust the Express bus time by subtracting the 40-minute delay to find its actual travel time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the time taken by the Express bus, with calculations yielding different results (80 minutes vs. 98 minutes). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct time calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants' calculations depend on assumptions about bus speeds and stopping times, and there are unresolved steps in the mathematical reasoning that may affect the final outcomes.

Marcelo Arevalo
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On a particular bus line, between Station A and Station J, there are 8 other
stations. Two types of buses, Express and Regular, are used. The speed of an
Express bus is 1.2 times that of a Regular bus. Regular buses stop at every
station, while Express buses stop only once. A bus stops for 3 minutes. On a
particular day, a Regular bus departed from Station A. 40 minutes later an
Express bus departed from the same station. The two buses arrived at
Station J at the same time. How long did the Express bus take from Station A
to Station J?

- - - Updated - - -

As refer to answer key
the answer was 80
no idea how did they got it.
 
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The time $t$ (in minutes) traveled by the regular bus (including stops) is:

$$t_R=\frac{d}{v}+24$$

And for the express bus (including the 40 minute delay) is:

$$t_E=\frac{10d}{12v}+40$$

Since they arrived at the last stop at the same time, you can equate the two times ($t_R=t_E$), and then solve for $d$, and then substitute for $d$ into either equation above to find $t$. What do you find?
 
Is this the continuation of the given data above??
d/v + 24 = 10d/12v + 40
12d + 288v = 10d + 480v
2d = 480v -288v
d = 96vfrom 1 : tR = 96v/v + 24 = 120
from 2 : tE = 960v/12v + 40 = 120
 
My solution:

please comment, thank you.

Regular Speed = Y
Express Speed = 1.2Y

Time taken if Regular = x/y + 8(3)/60 (min/hr)
if Express = x/1.2y + 3/60 (min/hr)

Combining the two equation:
we have; x/y + 24/60 = x/1.2y + 3/60 + 40/60
x/y + 24/60 = x/1.2y + 43/60
x/y - x/1.2y = 19/60 multiply both sides by 6y
6x - 5x = 114/60 y
x = 1.9y

Substituting on Express = x/1.2y + 3/60 mins
= 1.9y/1.2y + 3/60
= 98 mins or 1hr 38mins
 
Marcelo Arevalo said:
Is this the continuation of the given data above??
d/v + 24 = 10d/12v + 40
12d + 288v = 10d + 480v
2d = 480v -288v
d = 96vfrom 1 : tR = 96v/v + 24 = 120
from 2 : tE = 960v/12v + 40 = 120

You have found the time it takes the regular bus...since the express bus left 40 minutes after the regular bus, you need to subtract 40 minutes to find the time it took the express bus.
 

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