GMAT Quant: Time, Speed & Distance Problems

In GMAT Quant, time, speed and distance problems are quite common. However, to solve these GMAT quant problem questions you should be thorough with the formulas and practice these questions well during your GMAT preparation. In this article, we will talk about a shortcut way to memorize these formulas and we will also share some important tips that will help you solve these GMAT math problems. So, keep reading! 

Shortcut to Memorize the Formulas for Time, Speed and Distance

All of the below are important formulas that you need to know to be able to solve these types of problems. You will be expected to know the basics of the Distance topic, and the relationship between all three variables (i.e) — Time, Speed and Distance. Ensure to solve relevant examples which help you understand the topic in depth. You can also look for some of these GMAT math problems pdf online, download them and practice as many questions as possible. Look for pdfs that have solutions/answers as well for better understanding. 

As already mentioned Time, Speed and Distance is an important topic in the GMAT Quant syllabus, therefore, it is important to spend sufficient time in solving these questions. 

Sample Time, Speed and Distance questions

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Sample Time, Speed and Distance solutions

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Shortcut Tips & Formulas to Solve Time, Speed & Distance Problems Faster

• Km/hr to m/sec Conversion
• m/sec to km/hr Conversion
• If the ratio of the speeds of X and Y is x : y, then the ratio of the the time taken by them to cover the same distance is:

       1/x : 1/y or y : x

• If a train covers a certain distance x km/hr and an equal distance at y km/hr. Then,

GMAT Quant Problem Solving Tips:

• Analyze the given statements in the problem independently. Whether the information given in each statement is sufficient for you to arrive at the solution of the question. You can combine both the statements to help you solve the problem.
• List down the key takeaways from the question like — what the known values are, what is the value which has to be found, which formulae you will need to solve the question etc.
• Ensure that you don’t make any assumptions or trivial errors which could give you a wrong answer.
• Attempt practice questions of different types so that you are well prepared to answer them in the exam. 
• You can check solved examples so that you know which steps to follow to arrive at the correct answer quickly.
• A few of the common question types that you will come across in this section are as follows — Multi segment motion problems, Multiple Traveller questions, Average Speed and Expanding/Shrinking gaps.

Below we have mentioned some GMAT math problems: Time, Speed & Distance examples:

Example 1 – A train traveling at 108 kmph crosses a platform in 30 seconds and a man standing on the platform in 20 seconds. What is the length of the platform in meters?

Example 2 – Karen travels the first 4 hours of his journey at 75 mph speed and the remaining 5 hours at 35 mph speed. What is the average speed of Jim’s travel in mph?

GMAT quant problems are not very difficult to solve if you are well-versed with your high-school level maths.

All you need to do is practice and practice till you are perfect and prepared well enough. You can check out some GMAT quant questions practice tests or even download some GMAT quant questions pdf to acquaint yourself with the kinds of questions that you would be asked. This way you will be prepared well for the exam and might be able to get a good GMAT score in the quant section of the exam.