Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Practice Test

What should you do when two people travel the same route but leave at different times?

1. Calculate time only for the first person

2. Recalculate distance from the meeting point

3. Use the total distance for both

4. Focus on the distance of the second person only

The correct answer is: Recalculate distance from the meeting point

When two people travel the same route but leave at different times, the most relevant action to take is to recalculate the distance from the meeting point. This step is essential because the first person will have already covered some distance when the second person starts their journey. Understanding the distance from the meeting point allows you to analyze the scenario accurately, taking into account both travelers' time and speed to determine when and where they will meet. Calculating distances from this meeting point helps in formulating equations based on their respective speeds and the difference in start times. By focusing on the point where their paths might intersect, you can derive important conclusions about their travel times and distances covered before meeting. This approach allows you to align the journeys of both individuals effectively, providing insights into various aspects like travel efficiency or planning future routes. It forms a foundational aspect of solving relative speed problems commonly encountered in time-distance questions.