TSA TSA Problem Solving & Decision Making 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A decision matrix is a tool used in problem solving to:
- Randomly select among available options
- Evaluate multiple options against a set of weighted criteria (Correct answer)
- Record the history of past decisions
- Assign tasks to different team members
Correct answer: Evaluate multiple options against a set of weighted criteria
A decision matrix helps compare options systematically by scoring each against relevant criteria, often weighted by importance.
Question 2: If apples cost $1.20 each and oranges cost $0.80 each, how much do 3 apples and 4 oranges cost in total?
- $6.00
- $6.20
- $6.80 (Correct answer)
- $7.00
Correct answer: $6.80
3 × $1.20 + 4 × $0.80 = $3.60 + $3.20 = $6.80.
Question 3: In a TSA context, 'identifying similarity' questions require you to:
- Recognize when two problems share the same underlying structure or method of solution (Correct answer)
- Find spelling errors in a passage
- Determine which two people have the same name
- Match colors in a visual pattern
Correct answer: Recognize when two problems share the same underlying structure or method of solution
Identifying similarity means recognizing that two seemingly different problems can be solved using the same approach or logic.
Question 4: A recipe calls for 2 cups of flour to make 12 cookies. How many cups of flour are needed to make 30 cookies?
- 4 cups
- 4.5 cups
- 5 cups (Correct answer)
- 5.5 cups
Correct answer: 5 cups
30 ÷ 12 × 2 = 5 cups of flour.
Question 5: Which problem-solving approach involves breaking a complex problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems?
- Holistic analysis
- Decomposition (Correct answer)
- Lateral thinking
- Analogical reasoning
Correct answer: Decomposition
Decomposition simplifies complex problems by dividing them into smaller parts, each of which can be solved independently.
Question 6: A car uses 8 liters of fuel per 100 km. How many liters are needed for a 350 km journey?
- 24 liters
- 26 liters
- 28 liters (Correct answer)
- 30 liters
Correct answer: 28 liters
350 ÷ 100 × 8 = 28 liters.
TSA TSA Problem Solving & Decision Making 2
A decision matrix is a tool used in problem solving to: