SCAT Problem Solving: Word Problems 2

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?

Accepted Answer

72 mph

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

15

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

2 hours 24 minutes

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

$6.75

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

18

Answer

Setting sister's age as x: 3x + 6 = 2(x + 6) gives x = 6, so Carlos is 18.

(SCAT) School and College Ability Test Practice Test