GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersMedium
A tailor needs 1.75 meters of fabric for each shirt. If a bolt of fabric contains 28 meters, how many full shirts can the tailor make?
- A15
- B17
- C18
- D16
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 16
To find out how many full shirts can be made, divide the total length of fabric by the fabric needed per shirt: 28 meters / 1.75 meters/shirt = 16 shirts. Since only full shirts are counted, any remainder would be discarded.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is an underestimation, possibly from rounding 1.75 too high or miscalculation.
- B. This is an overestimation, possibly from rounding 1.75 too low or miscalculation.
- C. This is a significant overestimation and an incorrect calculation.
Division with Decimals (Practical)
Division with decimals in a practical context involves dividing a total quantity by a per-unit quantity to determine the number of units that can be made or obtained. The result often requires considering only whole units.
- Divide total by unit amount.
- The quotient indicates the number of units.
- For 'how many full units', disregard any fractional remainder.
Memory trick: Total cloth, cut by shirt, gives whole shirts.