What is the difference between North-South extent and East-West extent of India ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The difference between the North-South extent and the East-West extent of India is 281 kilometers, which is why Option 1 is the correct answer. Let's delve into the details to understand this:

1. **North-South Extent**: India stretches from the northernmost point in Jammu and Kashmir to the southernmost point in Kanyakumari. This distance is approximately 3,214 kilometers.

2. **East-West Extent**: The country extends from the easternmost point in Arunachal Pradesh to the westernmost point in Gujarat. This distance is about 2,933 kilometers.

3. **Difference Calculation**: To find the difference between these two extents, we subtract the East-West extent from the North-South extent:
   $$
   3,214 \text{ km (North-South)} - 2,933 \text{ km (East-West)} = 281 \text{ km}
   $$

This calculation confirms that the difference is indeed 281 kilometers, supporting Option 1 as the correct answer.

**Explanation for Incorrect Options**:

- **Option 2 (271 Km)**: This option is incorrect because the calculated difference between the North-South and East-West extents is 281 kilometers, not 271 kilometers. The subtraction clearly shows a 281 km difference.

- **Option 3 (291 Km)**: This option is incorrect because it overestimates the difference. The actual difference, as calculated, is 281 kilometers, not 291 kilometers.

- **Option 4 (285 Km)**: This option is incorrect because it slightly overestimates the difference. The precise calculation shows the difference to be 281 kilometers, not 285 kilometers.

In conclusion, the correct difference between the North-South and East-West extents of India is 281 kilometers, making Option 1 the accurate choice.