UPSC Prelims 2016·CSAT·Quantitative Aptitude·Time, Speed and Distance

In a race, a competitor has to collect 6 apples which are kept in a straight line On a track and a bucket is placed at the beginning of the track which is a starting point. The condition is that the competitor can pick only one apple at a time, run back with it and drop it in the bucket. If he has to drop all the apples in the bucket, how much total distance he has to run if the bucket is 5 meters from the first apple and all other apples are placed 3 meters apart?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A40 m
  2. B50 m
  3. C150 mCorrect
  4. D75 m

Explanation

To solve this, we calculate the distance for each of the 6 apples. Since the competitor must pick an apple and return to the bucket, the distance for each trip is doubled. Distance to the first apple is 5 meters. Round trip is 10 meters. Distance to the second apple is 5 plus 3, which is 8 meters. Round trip is 16 meters. Distance to the third apple is 8 plus 3, which is 11 meters. Round trip is 22 meters. Distance to the fourth apple is 11 plus 3, which is 14 meters. Round trip is 28 meters. Distance to the fifth apple is 14 plus 3, which is 17 meters. Round trip is 34 meters. Distance to the sixth apple is 17 plus 3, which is 20 meters. Round trip is 40 meters. To find the total distance, we add these values: 10 plus 16 plus 22 plus 28 plus 34 plus 40 equals 150 meters. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Quantitative Aptitude: In a race, a competitor has to collect 6 apples which are kept in a straight line On a track and a bucket is placed at t
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