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

A military cook is preparing rations. If a recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of flour per batch, and the cook needs to make 3 batches, how much flour is required in total?

  1. A7 1/2 cups
  2. B6 1/2 cups
  3. C5 cups
  4. D8 cups
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. 7 1/2 cups

Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction: 2 1/2 = 5/2. Then, multiply by the number of batches: (5/2) * 3 = 15/2. Convert back to a mixed number: 15/2 = 7 1/2 cups.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. This is an incorrect calculation, possibly 2.5 * 2.5 + 1.5.
  • C. This is the amount for 2 batches.
  • D. This is an incorrect calculation, possibly rounding up.

Multiplying Mixed Numbers

The process of finding the product of a whole number and a fraction.

  • Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first.
  • Multiply numerators and denominators.
  • Simplify the resulting fraction or convert to a mixed number.

Memory trick: Fractions are Fun, Finish Frequently.

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