GCAT Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 5

Question 1

A clock shows 3:15. What is the angle between the hour and minute hands?

Accepted Answer

7.5°

Answer

At 3:15 the minute hand is at 90° and the hour hand has moved 7.5° past the 90° mark (15 min × 0.5°/min), giving a difference of 7.5°.

Question 2

An argument states: 'This painkiller must be safe — millions of people use it.' Which fallacy does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to popularity

Answer

Appeal to popularity (ad populum) falsely assumes that widespread use or belief makes something true or safe.

Question 3

If you must choose between two projects: Project A has a 70% chance of earning $1,000 and Project B has a 40% chance of earning $2,000, which has the higher expected value?

Accepted Answer

Project B ($800)

Answer

Expected value of A = 0.7 × $1,000 = $700; expected value of B = 0.4 × $2,000 = $800, so Project B is higher.

Question 4

Which problem-solving strategy involves working backward from the desired end result to determine the required steps?

Accepted Answer

Backward chaining

Answer

Backward chaining starts with the goal and traces necessary preceding conditions back to the starting state.

Question 5

A store marks up items 50% above cost, then offers a 25% discount on the marked-up price. What is the net effect on the original cost?

Accepted Answer

12.5% profit

Answer

A $100 item becomes $150 after 50% markup; a 25% discount gives $112.50, which is 12.5% above the original cost.

GCAT - General Cognitive Ability Test Practice Test

GCAT - General Cognitive Ability Test Practice Test

GCAT Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 5