Question

A train is traveling at 30 mph towards a terminus which is 120 miles away. A pigeon flies towards the train, meets it, and then flies back and forth until the train reaches the terminus. How far does the pigeon fly altogether?

(A) 480 miles
(B) 360 miles
(C) 240 miles
(D) 120 miles

Answer 1

The pigeon flies a total distance of 120 miles altogether.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pigeon flies towards the train and meets it at some point. Let's calculate the time it takes for the train to reach the terminus:

Time = Distance/Speed

Time = 120 miles/30 mph

Time = 4 hours

Now, the pigeon flies back and forth during this 4-hour period. Since the train is traveling at a constant speed, the pigeon flies at the same speed towards the train and away from the train. Therefore, the total distance the pigeon flies is the distance it flew towards the train plus the distance it flew away from the train.

Distance = Speed x Time

Distance = 30 mph x 4 hours

Distance = 120 miles

Therefore, the pigeon flies a total distance of 120 miles altogether.