SCAT Problem Solving: Word Problems 5

Question 1

An investment of $1,000 earns 10% simple interest per year. How much total interest is earned after 3 years?

Accepted Answer

$300

Answer

Simple interest = P × r × t = $1,000 × 0.10 × 3 = $300.

Question 2

A bag contains 5 red balls and 3 blue balls. If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability it is red?

Accepted Answer

5/8

Answer

P(red) = 5 favorable outcomes ÷ 8 total balls = 5/8.

Question 3

A sequence starts at 3 and each term is multiplied by 4 to get the next. What is the 4th term?

Accepted Answer

192

Answer

The sequence is 3, 12, 48, 192; the 4th term is 192.

Question 4

A farmer has 240 feet of fencing to enclose a rectangular pen. What is the maximum possible area of the pen?

Accepted Answer

3,600 sq ft

Answer

Maximum area is achieved by a square: side = 240 ÷ 4 = 60 ft, area = 60 × 60 = 3,600 sq ft.

Question 5

A model car is built at a scale of 1:24. If the model is 8 inches long, how long is the actual car in feet?

Accepted Answer

16 feet

Answer

Actual length = 8 × 24 = 192 inches = 192 ÷ 12 = 16 feet.

(SCAT) School and College Ability Test Practice Test