Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733)Number and QuantityHard
A surveyor measures the length of a plot of land as 150 meters. If 1 inch is approximately 2.54 centimeters, and 1 meter equals 100 centimeters, what is the length of the plot in feet? (Round to the nearest whole number).
- A164 feet
- B5906 feet
- C394 feet
- D492 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 492 feet
First, convert meters to centimeters: 150 m * 100 cm/m = 15,000 cm. Next, convert centimeters to inches: 15,000 cm / 2.54 cm/inch ≈ 5905.51 inches. Finally, convert inches to feet: 5905.51 inches / 12 inches/foot ≈ 492.12 feet. Rounded to the nearest whole number, this is 492 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This results from a significant error in conversion, possibly using 1 meter ≈ 3.28 feet directly but inaccurately.
- B. This results from an incorrect conversion factor or order, perhaps dividing by 12 too early or using an incorrect cm to foot conversion.
- C. This results from an error in one of the conversion steps, leading to an underestimation.
Multi-Step Unit Conversion
Multi-step unit conversion involves converting a quantity from one unit to another by passing through intermediate units using a series of conversion factors.
- Use conversion factors as fractions (e.g., 100 cm / 1 m)
- Arrange factors so unwanted units cancel out
- Perform multiplications and divisions sequentially
Memory trick: Units: Link them, cancel them, convert them.