HSPT Math Question of the Day

1. 15
2. 20 (correct answer)
3. 45
4. 60

Explanation: This problem tests area calculation and unit conversion - two skills that often appear together on geometry problems. When you see measurements in feet but answer choices that seem small, always check if you need to convert units. First, find the area in square feet: $\text{Area} = \text{length} \times \text{width} = 15 \text{ ft} \times 12 \text{ ft} = 180 \text{ square feet}$ The key insight is recognizing that the question asks for square yards, not square feet. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, then 1 square yard = 3 × 3 = 9 square feet. To convert: $180 \text{ sq ft} \div 9 \text{ sq ft per sq yd} = 20 \text{ square yards}$ This confirms answer choice B is correct. Looking at the wrong answers: A) 15 comes from accidentally using just the length (15 feet) without calculating area or converting units. C) 45 results from incorrectly dividing by 4 instead of 9, perhaps confusing the conversion factor. D) 60 happens if you multiply 15 × 12 but then divide by 3 instead of 9, forgetting that square units require squaring the conversion factor. The most common trap here is forgetting to convert units or using the wrong conversion factor for area. Remember: when converting area measurements, you must square the linear conversion factor. Since 3 feet = 1 yard, then 9 square feet = 1 square yard. Always double-check what units the question asks for in the answer.