early commuter

[ishmael]

A man takes the same train home every day, and his wife drives to the station to pick him up, meeting the train exactly as it arrives. One day he catches an earlier train, getting to the station an hour early. Its a nice day so he starts walking along the route that his wife always drives. She meets him along the way and drives him the rest of the way home. They get home 10 minutes earlier than usual. How long was the commuter walking?

[Mr Skeptic]

Not enough info.

[ishmael]

Yes there is.

[Mr Skeptic]

Did you mean that she picks him up 10 minutes earlier than usual?

[ishmael]

They get home 10 minutes earlier than usual. You are on the right track.

[Mr Skeptic]

You're right, there is enough info, but only if you make a very reasonable assumption.

Here's the assumption: [hide]You need to assume that she drives as fast in each direction.[/hide]

[ishmael]

Yes. that is a reasonable assumption, and makes the problem solvable. So what is your answer?

[Jacques]

How do you use spoiler ?

[Mr Skeptic]

How do you use spoiler ?

 

Highlight it with your mouse to see it (it's black text on a black background).

 

To make a spoiler, use [ hide ] [ /hide ] tags.

[Jacques]

[hide]55minutes[/hide]

[Mr Skeptic]

You got it.

[BartusX]

Can someone please post a detailed explanation behind the reasoning used to answer this? Thank you.

[Mr Skeptic]

Can someone please post a detailed explanation behind the reasoning used to answer this? Thank you.

 

No, but finding the answer also tells you how much faster she drives than he walks

[BartusX]

Got it!

 

I'm amazed at how much I overcomplicated the problem on my first few attempts.

[sandy85]

I think as usual 10 minutes early than the routine schedule.