The frequency of a MMTS train is 12 minutes. The notice board displayed that next train is 7 minutes late and will arrive at 9:42 am. When did the previous train leave the station?
Show Hint
In time-frequency problems, first remove the delay to get the actual scheduled time, then apply the interval.
Concept:
Train frequency means trains normally arrive at equal intervals.
To find the previous train:
• First find the scheduled arrival time of the delayed train.
• Then subtract one frequency interval.
Step 1: Find the scheduled time of the next train.
Given:
Train arrives at:
\[
9:42 \text{ am}
\]
It is late by:
\[
7 \text{ minutes}
\]
So scheduled time:
\[
9:42-7=9:35 \text{ am}
\]
Step 2: Find the previous train time.
Frequency:
\[
12 \text{ minutes}
\]
So previous train:
\[
9:35-12=9:23 \text{ am}
\]
Thus, the previous train left at:
\[
\boxed{9:23 \text{ am}}
\]