SSAT Middle Level Quiz: Unit Conversions
20 questions · exam conditions
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Unit ConversionsQuestion 1 of 20

A road trip is 160160 km; using 11 mi =1.6=1.6 km, what is it in mi?

100 mi
256 mi
62.5 mi
101.6 mi
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SSAT Middle Level Quiz

SSAT Middle Level Quiz: Unit Conversions

Practice Unit Conversions in SSAT Middle Level with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Unit Conversions, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for SSAT Middle Level.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

A road trip is 160160 km; using 11 mi =1.6=1.6 km, what is it in mi?

  1. 100 mi (correct answer)
  2. 256 mi
  3. 62.5 mi
  4. 101.6 mi
Explanation: This question tests SSAT Middle Level skills in converting between units within a measurement system. Understanding unit conversions involves using conversion factors to translate a measurement from one unit to another, which is essential for practical applications like cooking or travel. In this specific scenario, the problem involves converting 160 km to miles using the conversion factor 1 mi = 1.6 km. Choice A is correct because it accurately applies the conversion factor by dividing 160 by 1.6 to find 100 miles, demonstrating comprehension of the conversion process. Choice B is incorrect because it represents a common error such as multiplying instead of dividing, which occurs when students mix up the conversion direction. To assist students, teach them to always confirm they have the correct conversion factor and understand the direction of the conversion. Encourage practicing with varied types of units to build flexibility and avoid reliance on memorized conversions.

Question 2

A carpenter needs to cut a board that is 8 feet 3 inches long into pieces that are each 15 inches long. How many complete pieces can be cut from this board?

  1. 6 complete pieces (correct answer)
  2. 5 complete pieces
  3. 7 complete pieces
  4. 8 complete pieces
  5. 4 complete pieces
Explanation: When you encounter word problems involving cutting materials into pieces, you need to convert all measurements to the same unit, then use division to find how many complete pieces fit. First, convert the board length to inches. The board is 8 feet 3 inches long. Since 1 foot = 12 inches, we have: 8×12+3=96+3=99 inches8 \times 12 + 3 = 96 + 3 = 99 \text{ inches} Now divide the total length by the length of each piece: 99÷15=6.699 \div 15 = 6.6 Since we need complete pieces only, we take the whole number part: 6 complete pieces. Let's verify: 6×15=90 inches6 \times 15 = 90 \text{ inches}, leaving 99−90=9 inches99 - 90 = 9 \text{ inches} remaining. Since 9 inches is less than 15 inches, we cannot cut another complete piece. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (5 complete pieces) underestimates what can be cut from the board. Choice C (7 complete pieces) would require 7×15=105 inches7 \times 15 = 105 \text{ inches}, which exceeds our 99-inch board length. Choice D (8 complete pieces) would need 8×15=120 inches8 \times 15 = 120 \text{ inches}, far more than available. The correct answer is A) 6 complete pieces. Study tip: In "cutting" or "grouping" problems, always convert to the same units first, divide to get a decimal, then round down to find complete pieces. The remainder tells you what's left over, but incomplete pieces don't count toward your answer.

Question 3

A swimming pool holds 15,000 gallons of water. If the pool is being filled at a rate of 25 gallons per minute, how many hours will it take to fill an empty pool?

  1. 10 hours exactly (correct answer)
  2. 12 hours and 30 minutes
  3. 600 hours exactly
  4. 25 hours exactly
  5. 6 hours and 15 minutes
Explanation: This is a classic rate problem that tests your ability to work with time, rate, and total quantity. When you see questions involving "filling" or "emptying" at a constant rate, you'll use the relationship: Time = Total Amount ÷ Rate. To find how long it takes to fill the pool, divide the total capacity by the filling rate: 15,000 gallons÷25 gallons per minute=600 minutes15,000 \text{ gallons} ÷ 25 \text{ gallons per minute} = 600 \text{ minutes}. Since the question asks for hours, convert by dividing by 60: 600÷60=10 hours600 ÷ 60 = 10 \text{ hours}. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (12 hours and 30 minutes) might tempt you if you made an arithmetic error or confused the conversion process. Choice C (600 hours exactly) is the trap for students who calculated correctly but forgot to convert minutes to hours—600 is the correct answer in minutes, not hours. Choice D (25 hours exactly) likely comes from incorrectly dividing 15,000 by 600 instead of by 25, perhaps confusing which numbers to use in the calculation. The correct answer is A: 10 hours exactly. Study tip: For rate problems on the SSAT, always check your units carefully. Set up the problem as Total ÷ Rate = Time, then make sure your final answer matches the units requested in the question. If you get an answer that seems too large or small, double-check whether you need to convert between minutes and hours.

Question 4

Jenny runs 3.2 kilometers every morning. If she wants to track her distance in miles, and 1 mile equals 1.6 kilometers, how many miles does she run each week?

  1. 14 miles per week (correct answer)
  2. 22.4 miles per week
  3. 2 miles per week
  4. 5.12 miles per week
  5. 35.84 miles per week
Explanation: This is a multi-step unit conversion problem that requires you to convert kilometers to miles and then calculate a weekly total. When you see conversion problems, always identify what you're converting from, what you're converting to, and any time period changes. First, convert Jenny's daily distance from kilometers to miles. Since 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers, you need to divide: 3.2 km÷1.6kmmile=2 miles per day3.2 \text{ km} \div 1.6 \frac{\text{km}}{\text{mile}} = 2 \text{ miles per day} Next, calculate her weekly distance: 2 miles/day×7 days=14 miles per week2 \text{ miles/day} \times 7 \text{ days} = 14 \text{ miles per week} Looking at the wrong answers: Answer B (22.4 miles) represents multiplying 3.2 by 7 without converting to miles first—a common trap where students forget the conversion step. Answer C (2 miles) is Jenny's daily mileage but ignores the "per week" requirement. Answer D (5.12 miles) comes from incorrectly multiplying 3.2 by 1.6 instead of dividing, then failing to multiply by 7 for the weekly total. The correct answer is A: 14 miles per week. Study tip: In conversion problems, work step-by-step and keep track of your units. Write out what you're converting (km → miles) and any time period changes (daily → weekly). This prevents you from mixing up multiplication and division in conversions, and helps you catch when you've solved for the wrong time period.

Question 5

A parking meter accepts quarters and gives 15 minutes of parking time per quarter. If someone needs to park for 2 hours and 45 minutes, how much money in dollars will they need?

  1. $2.75 in quarters (correct answer)
  2. $4.25 in quarters
  3. $11.00 in quarters
  4. $0.275 in quarters
  5. $1.65 in quarters
Explanation: This question tests your ability to convert time units and work with rates, which are common on SSAT quantitative problems involving real-world scenarios. First, convert the total parking time to minutes: 2 hours and 45 minutes = 2×60+45=1652 \times 60 + 45 = 165 minutes. Since each quarter gives 15 minutes of parking time, you need to find how many quarters are required: 165÷15=11165 \div 15 = 11 quarters. To convert quarters to dollars, remember that 4 quarters equal $1.00, so 11 quarters equal $11÷4=2.7511 \div 4 = 2.75 $ dollars, or $2.75. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (4.25)represents17quarters,whichmightresultfrommiscalculatingthetimeconversionordivision.ChoiceC(4.25) represents 17 quarters, which might result from miscalculating the time conversion or division. Choice C (11.00) is the trap answer that occurs when you forget to convert quarters to dollars—you found 11 quarters but reported it as 11.00insteadofconvertingproperly.ChoiceD(11.00 instead of converting properly. Choice D (0.275) happens when you divide by 100 instead of 4 when converting quarters to dollars, creating a decimal error. The correct answer is A) $2.75 in quarters. Strategy tip: In multi-step rate problems, always check your units at each step. Write down what each number represents (minutes, quarters, dollars) to avoid mixing up the final conversion. These problems often include trap answers that match intermediate steps in your calculation.

Question 6

Tom's fish tank can hold 30 gallons of water. He fills it using a container that holds 3 pints. How many times must he fill and empty the container to completely fill the tank?

  1. 80 times exactly (correct answer)
  2. 90 times exactly
  3. 10 times exactly
  4. 240 times exactly
  5. 120 times exactly
Explanation: When you encounter unit conversion problems like this, you need to convert everything to the same units before calculating. This question tests your ability to work with different volume measurements and perform multi-step conversions. First, convert the tank capacity to pints since that's the unit of the filling container. Remember that 1 gallon equals 8 pints. So Tom's 30-gallon tank holds 30×8=24030 \times 8 = 240 pints of water. Since Tom fills the tank using a 3-pint container, you divide the total volume needed by the container size: 240÷3=80240 \div 3 = 80 times. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (90 times) might result from incorrectly assuming 1 gallon equals 3 pints, giving you 30×3=9030 \times 3 = 90. Choice C (10 times) could come from dividing gallons by pints without converting units first: 30÷3=1030 \div 3 = 10. Choice D (240 times) represents the total number of pints needed, but fails to account for the container's 3-pint capacity. The correct answer is A) 80 times exactly. Strategy tip: Always identify what units you're working with and convert everything to the same unit before calculating. Keep a mental note of key conversions: 1 gallon = 8 pints, 1 gallon = 4 quarts, 1 quart = 2 pints. When you see mixed units in a problem, conversion is almost always the first step.

Question 7

A delivery truck travels 450 miles and uses 18 gallons of fuel. At this rate, how many gallons will be needed for a 1,200-mile trip?

  1. 48 gallons needed (correct answer)
  2. 43.2 gallons needed
  3. 25 gallons needed
  4. 66.7 gallons needed
  5. 21.6 gallons needed
Explanation: When you encounter rate problems like this, you're dealing with proportional relationships. The key is recognizing that the fuel consumption rate (miles per gallon) stays constant, so you can set up a proportion or find the unit rate. First, find the truck's fuel efficiency: 450 miles18 gallons=25 miles per gallon\frac{450 \text{ miles}}{18 \text{ gallons}} = 25 \text{ miles per gallon}. Now you can calculate how many gallons are needed for 1,200 miles: 1,200 miles25 miles per gallon=48 gallons\frac{1,200 \text{ miles}}{25 \text{ miles per gallon}} = 48 \text{ gallons}. This confirms answer choice A is correct. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (43.2 gallons) likely comes from a calculation error, perhaps mixing up the setup or making an arithmetic mistake in the division. Choice C (25 gallons) represents the miles-per-gallon rate itself—this is a common trap where students stop after finding the unit rate instead of using it to solve for the final answer. Choice D (66.7 gallons) suggests an error in the proportion setup, possibly from incorrectly placing numbers in the wrong positions. For rate problems on the SSAT, always double-check your setup by asking: "Does my answer make sense?" Since the 1,200-mile trip is about 2.7 times longer than the 450-mile trip, you'd expect to use about 2.7 times the fuel (2.7 × 18 ≈ 48). This logical check can catch errors and confirm you're on the right track.

Question 8

A recipe calls for 3 cups of flour, but Maya only has a scale that measures in ounces. If 1 cup of flour weighs 4.5 ounces, how many ounces of flour does she need?

  1. 13.5 (correct answer)
  2. 12
  3. 7.5
  4. 4.5
  5. 1.5
Explanation: This question tests unit conversion, a fundamental skill you'll encounter throughout math and science. When you see different units of measurement in a problem, your job is to convert between them using the given conversion factor. You need to find the total ounces of flour when the recipe calls for 3 cups and each cup weighs 4.5 ounces. Set up the conversion by multiplying the number of cups by the weight per cup: 3 cups×4.5 ounces per cup=13.5 ounces3 \text{ cups} \times 4.5 \text{ ounces per cup} = 13.5 \text{ ounces}. The answer is A) 13.5. Let's examine why the other choices are incorrect. Choice B) 12 likely comes from rounding 4.5 down to 4, then calculating 3×4=123 \times 4 = 12 — but you must use the exact conversion factor given. Choice C) 7.5 results from adding instead of multiplying: 3+4.5=7.53 + 4.5 = 7.5. This is a common error when students confuse the operation needed for unit conversion. Choice D) 4.5 simply repeats the conversion factor itself, representing the weight of only one cup rather than the three cups Maya actually needs. The key strategy for unit conversion problems is to set up your multiplication so that unwanted units cancel out. Here, you want cups to cancel and ounces to remain: cups × (ounces/cup) = ounces. Always double-check that your final answer makes sense — since Maya needs more than one cup of flour, her answer should be larger than the single-cup weight of 4.5 ounces.

Question 9

A construction worker needs 144 square feet of tile. The tiles are sold by the square yard, and each square yard costs $12. How much will the worker spend on tiles?

  1. $192 (correct answer)
  2. $1,728
  3. $16
  4. $432
  5. $64
Explanation: This question tests unit conversion between square feet and square yards, a common source of confusion since area conversions require squaring the linear conversion factor. First, you need to convert 144 square feet to square yards. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, then 1 square yard = 3 × 3 = 9 square feet. To find how many square yards the worker needs: 144÷9=16144 \div 9 = 16 square yards. Next, calculate the total cost: 16 square yards×$12 per square yard=$19216 \text{ square yards} \times \$12 \text{ per square yard} = \$192 Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (1,728)likelycomesfrommultiplying144×12withoutdoinganyunitconversion—aclassictrapwhenstudentsrushthroughwordproblems.ChoiceC(1,728) likely comes from multiplying 144 × 12 without doing any unit conversion—a classic trap when students rush through word problems. Choice C (16) represents the number of square yards needed, but this is the intermediate step, not the final cost. Choice D ($432) might result from incorrectly converting units, perhaps using 3 instead of 9 as the conversion factor between square feet and square yards. The correct answer is A ($192). Remember that area conversions always involve squaring the linear conversion factor. When you know that 3 feet = 1 yard, then 9 square feet = 1 square yard. On the SSAT, multi-step word problems like this often include the intermediate calculation as a wrong answer choice, so always check that you've completed every step the question asks for.

Question 10

A swimming pool is 25 meters long. If a swimmer completes 20 laps (back and forth counts as 2 laps), how many feet has she swum? (1 meter = 3.28 feet)

  1. 1,640 (correct answer)
  2. 820
  3. 500
  4. 2,624
  5. 164
Explanation: This problem tests your ability to work through multi-step unit conversions and distance calculations. When you see swimming pool problems, pay attention to what "lap" means and track your units carefully. Let's work through this step by step. First, determine the total distance swum in meters. The swimmer completes 20 laps in a 25-meter pool. Since the problem states that "back and forth counts as 2 laps," each one-way trip is 1 lap. So 20 laps means 20 one-way trips of 25 meters each. Total distance = 20×25=50020 \times 25 = 500 meters Next, convert meters to feet using the given conversion factor: 500 meters×3.28feetmeter=1,640 feet500 \text{ meters} \times 3.28 \frac{\text{feet}}{\text{meter}} = 1,640 \text{ feet} Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (820) represents half the correct answer—you might get this if you mistakenly thought 20 laps meant 10 round trips instead of 20 one-way trips. Choice C (500) is the distance in meters before conversion to feet—a classic unit conversion error. Choice D (2,624) appears to double-count something, perhaps treating each lap as a full round trip. The correct answer is A) 1,640 feet. Strategy tip: In multi-step problems involving unit conversions, work methodically: calculate the distance in the original units first, then convert. Always double-check what "lap" means in swimming problems, as definitions can vary between tests.

Question 11

A recipe for cookies requires 2 pounds 8 ounces of flour. If flour costs $0.18 per ounce, what is the total cost of flour needed?

  1. $7.20 (correct answer)
  2. $6.84
  3. $5.76
  4. $1.44
  5. $4.50
Explanation: This problem tests your ability to work with mixed units (pounds and ounces) and perform multi-step calculations involving unit conversion and multiplication. First, you need to convert the total flour amount to a single unit. Since the price is given per ounce, convert everything to ounces. The recipe calls for 2 pounds 8 ounces of flour. Since 1 pound = 16 ounces, you have: 2 pounds=2×16=32 ounces2 \text{ pounds} = 2 \times 16 = 32 \text{ ounces} Adding the additional 8 ounces: 32+8=40 ounces total32 + 8 = 40 \text{ ounces total} Now multiply by the cost per ounce: 40 ounces×$0.18 per ounce=$7.2040 \text{ ounces} \times \$0.18 \text{ per ounce} = \$7.20 This confirms answer A is correct. Looking at the wrong answers: B (6.84)likelycomesfrommiscalculatingthepound−to−ounceconversion,perhapsusing38ouncesinsteadof40.C(6.84) likely comes from miscalculating the pound-to-ounce conversion, perhaps using 38 ounces instead of 40. C (5.76) suggests using only 32 ounces (forgetting to add the extra 8 ounces) and calculating 32×$0.18=$5.7632 \times \$0.18 = \$5.76. D ($1.44) appears to result from only using the 8 ounces portion: $8 \times \0.18 = $1.44 . Study tip: When working with mixed units, always convert everything to the same unit before calculating. Write out your conversion step clearly (like "2 pounds = 32 ounces") to avoid arithmetic errors. Double-check that you've included all parts of mixed measurements.

Question 12

A parking lot is 150 feet wide and 200 feet long. If the city wants to repave it and asphalt costs $4.25 per square yard, what will the total cost be?

  1. $14,167 (correct answer)
  2. $127,500
  3. $1,417
  4. $42,500
  5. $4,722
Explanation: When you encounter area and cost problems, remember that units matter tremendously. This question tests both area calculation and unit conversion - a common combination on the SSAT. First, find the area of the parking lot: 150 feet×200 feet=30,000 square feet150 \text{ feet} \times 200 \text{ feet} = 30,000 \text{ square feet}. However, the asphalt cost is given per square yard, not per square foot, so you must convert units. Since 1 yard = 3 feet, then 1 square yard = 9 square feet. To convert: 30,000 square feet÷9=3,333.33 square yards30,000 \text{ square feet} \div 9 = 3,333.33 \text{ square yards}. The total cost is: 3,333.33×$4.25=$14,166.673,333.33 \times \$4.25 = \$14,166.67, which rounds to $14,167. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (127,500)likelycomesfrommultiplyingtheareainsquarefeetdirectlybythecostpersquareyard,ignoringtheunitconversionentirely.ChoiceC(127,500) likely comes from multiplying the area in square feet directly by the cost per square yard, ignoring the unit conversion entirely. Choice C (1,417) appears to result from a calculation error, possibly dividing instead of multiplying at some step. Choice D ($42,500) might come from using an incorrect conversion factor or making an arithmetic mistake in the final multiplication. The correct answer is A. Strategy tip: Always check your units carefully in word problems. When the given measurements and the cost are in different units (feet vs. yards here), conversion is almost certainly required. Write out your unit conversions explicitly to avoid costly mistakes.

Question 13

A recipe calls for 1.75 cups of milk. If Sarah only has a 4-fluid-ounce measuring cup, how many times must she fill it to get the required amount of milk?

  1. 3.5 times exactly (correct answer)
  2. 4 times exactly
  3. 7 times exactly
  4. 14 times exactly
  5. 1.75 times exactly
Explanation: This problem tests unit conversion and division with decimals. When you encounter questions mixing different units of measurement, always convert everything to the same unit before calculating. First, convert 1.75 cups to fluid ounces. Since 1 cup equals 8 fluid ounces, multiply: 1.75×8=141.75 \times 8 = 14 fluid ounces. Sarah needs 14 fluid ounces total. Next, determine how many times she must fill her 4-fluid-ounce measuring cup: 14÷4=3.514 \div 4 = 3.5 times exactly. Looking at the wrong answers: Answer B (4 times exactly) comes from incorrectly rounding 3.5 up to 4, but the question asks how many times she must fill it for the exact amount, not the minimum number of complete fills. Answer C (7 times exactly) likely results from forgetting to convert cups to ounces and dividing 1.75 by 0.25 (mistaking the 4-ounce cup for a quarter-cup). Answer D (14 times exactly) occurs when you find the total ounces needed (14) but forget to divide by the measuring cup size. The correct answer is A) 3.5 times exactly. Strategy tip: In measurement problems, always identify what units you're working with and convert everything to the same unit first. Also, pay attention to whether the question asks for an exact answer or requires rounding—here "exactly" in each choice signals that fractional fills are acceptable.

Question 14

A delivery service charges $0.75 per pound for packages. If a package weighs 2 kilograms, what is the shipping cost? (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds)

  1. $3.30 (correct answer)
  2. $1.50
  3. $4.40
  4. $0.68
  5. $6.60
Explanation: This question tests your ability to handle unit conversions in multi-step word problems. When you see different units of measurement, always convert first before applying the given rate. Start by converting the package weight from kilograms to pounds using the given conversion factor. Since 1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds, a 2-kilogram package weighs: 2×2.2=4.4 pounds2 \times 2.2 = 4.4 \text{ pounds} Next, apply the shipping rate of $0.75 per pound: $4.4 \text{ pounds} \times \0.75 = $3.30 The correct answer is A) $3.30. Let's examine why the other choices are wrong. Choice B) $1.50 comes from incorrectly multiplying 2 kilograms directly by the $0.75 rate without converting to pounds first. Choice C) $4.40 represents a calculation error where someone might have confused the weight in pounds (4.4) with the final cost. Choice D) $0.68 likely results from dividing instead of multiplying somewhere in the process, perhaps calculating $\frac{\3.30}{4.4}$$ or making a similar computational mistake. Strategy tip: For unit conversion problems, always write out your conversion step completely before moving to the final calculation. This prevents the common mistake of using the wrong units with the given rate. Also, do a quick reasonableness check—since the package weighs more than 4 pounds and costs $0.75 per pound, your answer should definitely be over $3.

Question 15

Maria's recipe calls for 2.5 liters of milk, but she only has a measuring cup that shows fluid ounces. If 1 liter equals approximately 33.8 fluid ounces, how many fluid ounces of milk does she need?

  1. 84.5 fluid ounces (correct answer)
  2. 67.6 fluid ounces
  3. 33.8 fluid ounces
  4. 101.4 fluid ounces
  5. 13.52 fluid ounces
Explanation: When you encounter unit conversion problems, you're working with proportional relationships. The key is setting up the conversion correctly using the given rate as your bridge between units. Here, you need to convert 2.5 liters to fluid ounces using the conversion rate: 1 liter = 33.8 fluid ounces. Since Maria needs more than 1 liter, you should expect an answer greater than 33.8 fluid ounces. Set up the conversion by multiplying: 2.5 liters×33.8 fluid ounces1 liter=2.5×33.8=84.5 fluid ounces2.5 \text{ liters} \times \frac{33.8 \text{ fluid ounces}}{1 \text{ liter}} = 2.5 \times 33.8 = 84.5 \text{ fluid ounces} The liters cancel out, leaving you with fluid ounces as your final unit. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (67.6) represents a common error where students might subtract 33.8 from some larger number or miscalculate 2 × 33.8. Choice C (33.8) is the conversion rate itself—this would be correct if Maria only needed 1 liter, but she needs 2.5 liters. Choice D (101.4) suggests multiplying by 3 instead of 2.5, perhaps by rounding 2.5 up to 3. The correct answer is A: 84.5 fluid ounces. Strategy tip: In unit conversion problems, always check that your answer makes logical sense. Since 2.5 is between 2 and 3, your answer should be between 2×33.8=67.62 \times 33.8 = 67.6 and 3×33.8=101.43 \times 33.8 = 101.4. This range check helps catch calculation errors.

Question 16

A bottle contains 2 liters of soda. If each serving is 8 fluid ounces and 1 liter equals 33.8 fluid ounces, how many complete servings are in the bottle?

  1. 8 complete servings (correct answer)
  2. 4 complete servings
  3. 16 complete servings
  4. 33 complete servings
  5. 67 complete servings
Explanation: This is a unit conversion problem that requires you to work through multiple steps systematically. When you encounter questions involving different units of measurement, always identify what conversions you need and work step by step. First, convert the total volume from liters to fluid ounces: 2 liters×33.8 fluid ounces per liter=67.6 fluid ounces2 \text{ liters} \times 33.8 \text{ fluid ounces per liter} = 67.6 \text{ fluid ounces} Next, determine how many complete servings fit into this total volume: 67.6 fluid ounces8 fluid ounces per serving=8.45 servings\frac{67.6 \text{ fluid ounces}}{8 \text{ fluid ounces per serving}} = 8.45 \text{ servings} Since the question asks for complete servings only, you round down to 8 complete servings, making A correct. Now let's examine why the other answers are wrong. Choice B (4 complete servings) represents a calculation error—you might get this if you mistakenly used 16 fluid ounces per serving instead of 8. Choice C (16 complete servings) likely results from forgetting the unit conversion entirely and treating the 2 liters as if they were already in fluid ounces, then dividing by 8. Choice D (33 complete servings) suggests someone divided 67.6 by 2 instead of by 8, mixing up the numbers in the problem. Strategy tip: On multi-step conversion problems, write out each step clearly and label your units. This prevents mixing up numbers and helps you catch errors. Always check if your final answer makes logical sense—33 servings from a 2-liter bottle should immediately seem too large.

Question 17

A water cooler dispenses 8 fluid ounces per cup. If the cooler holds 3 gallons of water, how many complete cups can be filled?

  1. 48 (correct answer)
  2. 24
  3. 384
  4. 16
  5. 96
Explanation: When you encounter unit conversion problems, the key is systematically converting all measurements to the same unit before performing calculations. This question tests your ability to convert between gallons and fluid ounces, then apply division to find how many complete portions fit. Start by converting 3 gallons to fluid ounces. Since 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces, you have: 3 gallons×128 fl oz/gallon=384 fluid ounces3 \text{ gallons} \times 128 \text{ fl oz/gallon} = 384 \text{ fluid ounces} Now divide the total capacity by the amount per cup: 384 fl oz8 fl oz/cup=48 cups\frac{384 \text{ fl oz}}{8 \text{ fl oz/cup}} = 48 \text{ cups} Therefore, answer A) 48 is correct. Let's examine why the other answers are wrong. Answer B) 24 likely comes from using an incorrect conversion factor—perhaps thinking 1 gallon = 64 fluid ounces instead of 128, which would give you 192 total ounces, then 192 ÷ 8 = 24. Answer C) 384 represents the total fluid ounces in the cooler, but fails to complete the division step to find the number of cups. Answer D) 16 might result from incorrectly thinking 1 gallon = 32 fluid ounces, giving you 96 total ounces, then 96 ÷ 8 = 12, or from another conversion error. Remember this conversion: 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces. On the SSAT, always double-check that you've completed all required steps—conversion problems often have trap answers that represent intermediate calculations rather than the final answer.

Question 18

A race track is 2.5 miles long. If a runner completes 6 laps, how many feet has she run in total?

  1. 79,200 (correct answer)
  2. 13,200
  3. 15,840
  4. 39,600
  5. 158,400
Explanation: This question tests unit conversion and multi-step calculations, which are common on the SSAT. When you see problems involving different units of measurement, always identify what conversions you need before calculating. To find the total distance in feet, you need to calculate the total miles first, then convert to feet. The runner completes 6 laps on a 2.5-mile track, so the total distance is 6×2.5=156 \times 2.5 = 15 miles. Now convert miles to feet using the conversion factor: 1 mile = 5,280 feet. Therefore: 15 miles×5,280 feet/mile=79,200 feet15 \text{ miles} \times 5,280 \text{ feet/mile} = 79,200 \text{ feet} Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (13,200) appears to use an incorrect conversion factor, possibly confusing miles with another unit. Choice C (15,840) likely represents a calculation error where someone might have used 1,056 feet per mile instead of 5,280, or made an arithmetic mistake. Choice D (39,600) is exactly half the correct answer, suggesting someone might have calculated correctly but then divided by 2 for an unknown reason, or used 2,640 feet per mile. Strategy tip: Always write out your unit conversions clearly and double-check that common conversion factors are correct. For distance problems, remember that 1 mile = 5,280 feet. When you see answer choices that are multiples or fractions of each other (like 39,600 and 79,200), it's often a sign that unit conversion errors are being tested.

Question 19

A rectangular garden measures 24 feet by 36 feet. If the owner wants to install a fence that costs $8.50 per yard, what will be the total cost of fencing?

  1. $340.00 total cost (correct answer)
  2. $1,020.00 total cost
  3. $2,040.00 total cost
  4. $113.33 total cost
  5. $680.00 total cost
Explanation: This problem tests your ability to work with perimeter and unit conversions - two skills that often appear together on geometry questions. To find the fencing cost, you need the garden's perimeter in yards, then multiply by the cost per yard. The rectangular garden measures 24 feet by 36 feet, so its perimeter is 2(24+36)=2(60)=1202(24 + 36) = 2(60) = 120 feet. Since the fence costs $8.50 per yard, you must convert 120 feet to yards: $120 feet÷3 feet per yard=40 yards120 \text{ feet} ÷ 3 \text{ feet per yard} = 40 \text{ yards} .Thetotalcostis. The total cost is 40 \text{ yards} × \8.50 = $340.00 , which is answer A. Let's examine why the other answers are wrong. Answer B (1,020.00)resultsfrommultiplyingtheperimeterinfeet(120)bythecostperyard(1,020.00) results from multiplying the perimeter in feet (120) by the cost per yard (8.50), forgetting the unit conversion entirely. Answer C ($2,040.00) comes from calculating the area instead of perimeter - finding $$24 × 36 = 864$$ square feet, then making additional errors with units and calculations. Answer D ($113.33) appears to involve dividing instead of multiplying somewhere in the process, perhaps confusing the relationship between cost and quantity. The key strategy here is to always check your units carefully. When you see measurements in feet but costs per yard, immediately plan for a conversion step. Write down what units you need for your final answer, then work backward to ensure each calculation moves you toward those units. This prevents the most common error: forgetting to convert between feet and yards.

Question 20

A car's gas tank holds 16 gallons. If the car gets 28 miles per gallon and gas costs $3.45 per gallon, how much does it cost to drive 350 miles?

  1. $43.13 (correct answer)
  2. $55.20
  3. $12.50
  4. $96.60
  5. $190.40
Explanation: This problem tests your ability to work through multi-step word problems involving rates and unit conversions. When you see questions about fuel efficiency and costs, break them down into manageable steps rather than trying to solve everything at once. To find the cost of driving 350 miles, you need to determine how many gallons of gas are required, then multiply by the cost per gallon. Start by using the fuel efficiency: if the car gets 28 miles per gallon, then driving 350 miles requires 350 miles28 miles per gallon=12.5 gallons\frac{350 \text{ miles}}{28 \text{ miles per gallon}} = 12.5 \text{ gallons}. Next, multiply this by the gas price: 12.5 gallons×$3.45 per gallon=$43.1312.5 \text{ gallons} \times \$3.45 \text{ per gallon} = \$43.13. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B ($55.20) likely comes from incorrectly calculating the gallons needed—perhaps using $35025\frac{350}{25} insteadofinstead of 35028\frac{350}{28} ,thenmultiplyingbythegasprice.ChoiceC(, then multiplying by the gas price. Choice C (12.50) represents just the number of gallons needed, not the total cost—this happens when students stop after the first calculation. Choice D ($96.60) appears to come from multiplying the tank capacity (16 gallons) by the gas price and adding some miscalculation. The key strategy here is to identify what the question is actually asking for (total cost) and work backward to determine what information you need. Always check that your units make sense—you're converting from miles to gallons to dollars. Practice breaking complex word problems into smaller, sequential steps rather than trying to create one giant equation.