GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersEasy
A construction worker needs to cut a pipe into pieces that are each 1.25 meters long. If the total length of the pipe is 15.5 meters, how many full pieces can be cut from the pipe?
- A10
- B15
- C13
- D12
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 12
To find the number of full pieces, divide the total length of the pipe by the length of each piece. The result should be rounded down to the nearest whole number because only full pieces are counted.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. This would be the result if the pipe was 12.5 meters long, not 15.5.
- B. Incorrect. This would be the result if the pipe was 18.75 meters long.
- C. Incorrect. This would be the result if the pipe was 16.25 meters long, or if 12.4 were rounded up.
Division with Decimals
Dividing a number by a decimal involves moving the decimal point in the divisor and dividend to make the divisor a whole number, then performing standard division.
- Move decimal in divisor to make it a whole number.
- Move decimal in dividend the same number of places.
- Perform long division.
- Round down for 'full pieces' scenarios.
Memory trick: Divide and conquer pieces, dropping any remainder.