SIFT Math 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A helicopter travels 240 miles in 2 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?
- 60 mph
- 80 mph
- 120 mph (Correct answer)
- 480 mph
Correct answer: 120 mph
Speed = Distance / Time = 240 / 2 = 120 mph.
This is a straightforward application of the speed formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time. 240 miles ÷ 2 hours = 120 mph. In aviation, this type of calculation appears in flight planning to estimate time en route given distance and airspeed.
Question 2: If fuel costs $4.50 per gallon and a helicopter uses 35 gallons per hour, how much does a 3-hour flight cost in fuel?
- $157.50
- $315.00
- $472.50 (Correct answer)
- $945.00
Correct answer: $472.50
Fuel per flight = 35 gal/hr × 3 hr = 105 gallons. Cost = 105 × $4.50 = $472.50.
Two-step calculation: (1) Total fuel = 35 gal/hr × 3 hr = 105 gallons; (2) Cost = 105 × $4.50 = $472.50. This type of rate × time × cost calculation is common in flight planning and logistics. Identifying the two steps and performing them in order prevents errors.
Question 3: Solve for x: 3x + 7 = 22
- x = 3
- x = 5 (Correct answer)
- x = 7
- x = 9
Correct answer: x = 5
Subtract 7 from both sides: 3x = 15. Divide by 3: x = 5.
Solving linear equations follows the order of operations in reverse. First subtract 7 from both sides (3x = 15), then divide both sides by 3 (x = 5). Check: 3(5) + 7 = 15 + 7 = 22 ✓. The SIFT math section tests basic algebra equations like this.
Question 4: A circle has a radius of 7 cm. What is its area? (Use π ≈ 3.14)
- 21.98 cm²
- 43.96 cm²
- 153.86 cm² (Correct answer)
- 615.44 cm²
Correct answer: 153.86 cm²
Area = πr² = 3.14 × 7² = 3.14 × 49 = 153.86 cm².
The formula A = πr² requires squaring the radius before multiplying by π. r² = 7² = 49. A = 3.14 × 49 = 153.86 cm². A common error is using diameter instead of radius or forgetting to square. The SIFT tests geometry formulas including circles, triangles, and rectangles.
Question 5: A unit has 240 soldiers. If 15% are assigned to aviation duties, how many soldiers work in aviation?
- 15
- 24
- 36 (Correct answer)
- 48
Correct answer: 36
15% of 240 = 0.15 × 240 = 36 soldiers.
Percentage calculations: 15% = 0.15. 0.15 × 240 = 36. Alternatively: (15/100) × 240 = 15 × 2.4 = 36. Percentage problems appear frequently on the SIFT math subtest and often involve military logistics, load calculations, and performance percentages.
Question 6: What is the value of 2³ × 4²?
- 48
- 64
- 128 (Correct answer)
- 192
Correct answer: 128
2³ = 8; 4² = 16; 8 × 16 = 128.
Order of operations: evaluate exponents before multiplication. 2³ = 2×2×2 = 8. 4² = 4×4 = 16. Then 8 × 16 = 128. Exponent problems appear on the SIFT, often in the context of scientific notation or computing values related to physics problems in the mechanical comprehension sections.
SIFT Math 2
A helicopter travels 240 miles in 2 hours.
What is its average speed in miles per hour?