ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Mathematics Knowledge (MK)Easy

A production line worker needs to calculate the total length of 15 identical metal rods. Each rod measures 3 feet 8 inches. What is the total length of all the rods combined?

  1. A60 feet
  2. B58 feet 4 inches
  3. C50 feet 6 inches
  4. D55 feet
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 55 feet

First, convert the rod length to a single unit, preferably inches. 3 feet * 12 inches/foot = 36 inches. So, each rod is 36 + 8 = 44 inches. Multiply 44 inches by 15 rods to get 660 inches. Finally, convert 660 inches back to feet and inches: 660 / 12 = 55 feet with 0 remainder.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect multiplication or conversion. This would be 4 feet per rod.
  • B. Incorrect conversion or calculation error. 58 feet 4 inches is 700 inches.
  • C. Incorrect conversion or calculation error. 50 feet 6 inches is 606 inches.

Unit Conversion (Length)

The process of converting a measurement from one unit of length to another, often involving multiplication or division by a conversion factor.

  • 1 foot = 12 inches
  • 1 yard = 3 feet
  • 1 mile = 5280 feet

Memory trick: Feet First, Inches Next, Total Up, Then Convert Back.

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