(b) 3 : 2
Let the speeds of the two trains be x m/s and y m/s respectively.
∴ Length of the first train = 27x m and length of the second train = 17y m
Since the trains are moving in opposite directions.
Relative speed = (x + y) m/s
∴ \(\frac{27x+17y}{x+y} = 23\) ⇒ 27x + 17y = 23x + 23y
⇒ 4x = 6y ⇒ \(\frac{x}{y}= \frac32.\)