ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Mathematics Knowledge (MK)Hard
A logistics officer is planning to load cargo onto a truck. The truck has a maximum weight capacity of 7.5 tons. If each pallet of supplies weighs 1,200 pounds, what is the maximum number of pallets that can be loaded without exceeding the truck's capacity? (1 ton = 2,000 pounds)
- A13 pallets
- B12 pallets
- C11 pallets
- D10 pallets
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 12 pallets
First, convert the truck's capacity to pounds: 7.5 tons * 2,000 pounds/ton = 15,000 pounds. Then, divide the total capacity in pounds by the weight of each pallet: 15,000 pounds / 1,200 pounds/pallet = 12.5 pallets. Since you cannot load half a pallet, the maximum number is 12 pallets.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect calculation or rounding up instead of down.
- C. Possible rounding error or miscalculation.
- D. Underestimated capacity or calculation error.
Unit Conversion and Maximum Capacity
Problems involving maximum capacity often require converting all measurements to a common unit before performing calculations and then rounding down to the nearest whole number for practical limits.
- Ensure all units (weight, volume, etc.) are consistent.
- Convert larger units to smaller units for easier division.
- When calculating 'maximum number', always round down if the result is not a whole number.
Memory trick: Convert 'C'apacity, 'D'ivide by 'P'allet, 'R'ound 'D'own.