Maths question from Laboratory Attendant exam, 2026 by JKSSB
If a man increases his speed by 25%, he takes 1 hour less to cover a certain distance. What was the original time?
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
5 hours
Step-by-Step Explanation:
To solve this, we look at the relationship between speed and time when the distance stays the same. Speed and time are inversely related; if you go faster, it takes less time.
Step 1: Understand the speed increase
The man increases his speed by twenty-five percent. If we think of his original speed as one hundred percent, his new speed is one hundred and twenty-five percent. In terms of ratios, the new speed is five-fourths of the original speed.
Step 2: Find the time ratio
Because speed and time are opposites, if the speed becomes five-fourths of the original, the time taken must become four-fifths of the original time.
Step 3: Calculate the difference
The new time is four-fifths of the original time, which means he saves one-fifth of his original time.
The problem states that this time saved is exactly one hour. Therefore, one-fifth of the original time equals one hour.
Step 4: Find the original time
If one-fifth of the time is one hour, then the total original time must be five times that amount, which gives us five hours.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
