SCAT Problem Solving: Word Problems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A train travels at 60 mph for 2 hours, then at 80 mph for 3 hours. What is the average speed for the entire trip?
- 68 mph
- 70 mph
- 72 mph (Correct answer)
- 75 mph
Correct answer: 72 mph
Total distance = 120 + 240 = 360 miles over 5 hours, so average speed = 360 ÷ 5 = 72 mph.
Question 2: A jar contains 40 marbles with a red-to-blue ratio of 3:5. How many red marbles are in the jar?
- 12
- 15 (Correct answer)
- 18
- 20
Correct answer: 15
Red marbles = (3/8) × 40 = 15.
Question 3: Printer A can print a report in 4 hours; Printer B takes 6 hours. How long do they take working together?
- 2 hours
- 2 hours 24 minutes (Correct answer)
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- 3 hours
Correct answer: 2 hours 24 minutes
Combined rate = 1/4 + 1/6 = 5/12 reports per hour, so time = 12/5 = 2.4 hours = 2 hours 24 minutes.
Question 4: Apples cost $0.75 each and oranges cost $1.25 each. What is the total cost of 4 apples and 3 oranges?
- $5.50
- $6.25
- $6.75 (Correct answer)
- $7.00
Correct answer: $6.75
4 × $0.75 + 3 × $1.25 = $3.00 + $3.75 = $6.75.
Question 5: Carlos is 3 times as old as his sister. In 6 years, he will be twice as old as his sister. How old is Carlos now?
- 12
- 15
- 18 (Correct answer)
- 21
Correct answer: 18
Setting sister's age as x: 3x + 6 = 2(x + 6) gives x = 6, so Carlos is 18.
Question 6: A recipe requires 2.5 cups of flour to make 24 cookies. How many cups are needed to make 60 cookies?
- 5.5 cups
- 6 cups
- 6.25 cups (Correct answer)
- 7 cups
Correct answer: 6.25 cups
Scale factor = 60 ÷ 24 = 2.5, so flour needed = 2.5 × 2.5 = 6.25 cups.
Question 7: A car rental costs $25 per day plus $0.15 per mile. What is the total cost for 3 days and 200 miles?
- $85
- $95
- $105 (Correct answer)
- $115
Correct answer: $105
Cost = 3 × $25 + 200 × $0.15 = $75 + $30 = $105.
SCAT Problem Solving: Word Problems 2
A train travels at 60 mph for 2 hours, then at 80 mph for 3 hours.
What is the average speed for the entire trip?