Let the actual speed of the train be x km/hr and the actual time taken be y hours. Then,
Distance covered =(xy)km ..(i) [∴ Distance = Speed × Time]
If the speed is increased by 6 km/hr, then time of journey is reduced by 4 hours i.e., when speed is (x+6)km/hr, time of journey is (y−4) hours.
∴ Distance covered = (x + 6) (y − 4)
⇒ xy = (x + 6) (y − 4) [Using (i)]
⇒ − 4x + 6y – 24 = 0
⇒−2x + 3y − 12 = 0 ..(ii)
When the speed is reduced by 6 km/hr, then the time of journey is increased by 6 hours i.e., when speed is (x−6) km/hr, time of journey is (y−6) hours.
∴ Distance covered = (x − 6) ( y + 6)
⇒ xy = (x − 6) ( y + 6 ) [Using (i)]
⇒ 6x − 6y – 36 = 0
⇒x –y – 6 = 0 (iii)
Thus, we obtain the following system of equations:
−2 x + 3y −12 = 0
x – y – 6 = 0
By using cross-multiplication, we have,
⇒ x =30 and y = 24
Putting the values of x and y in equation (i), we obtain
Distance =(30 × 24) km =720 km.
Hence, the length of the journey is 720 km.