NFST Firefighter Math Reasoning 3

Question 1

A water tank holds 5,000 gallons. If 3 pumps each drain 85 gallons per minute, how many minutes until the tank is empty?

Accepted Answer

19 minutes

Answer

Total drain rate = 3 × 85 = 255 gpm; 5,000 ÷ 255 ≈ 19.6, so approximately 19 minutes to drain.

Question 2

A firefighter's air tank lasts 30 minutes at normal activity. At heavy exertion, it lasts 40% less time. How long does it last at heavy exertion?

Accepted Answer

18 minutes

Answer

40% of 30 = 12; 30 − 12 = 18 minutes.

Question 3

A hose with a 2.5-inch diameter flows water at 250 gallons per minute. If a second identical hose is added, what is the total flow rate?

Accepted Answer

500 gpm

Answer

Two identical hoses: 250 × 2 = 500 gpm.

Question 4

The distance from the fire station to a fire scene is 4.5 miles. A fire truck travels at 45 mph. How many minutes does it take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

6 minutes

Answer

Time = 4.5 ÷ 45 = 0.1 hours = 0.1 × 60 = 6 minutes.

Question 5

A rescue team needs to move 540 pounds of equipment using carts that hold 90 pounds each. How many cart loads are required?

Accepted Answer

6

Answer

540 ÷ 90 = 6 cart loads.

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