SSAT Upper Level Math : How to solve arithmetic word problems

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : How To Solve Arithmetic Word Problems

Bill decides to donate 15% of his $4000 and Ted decides to donate 25% of his $8000. What percentage of their combined fortunes do Bill and Ted donate?

Possible Answers:

23.1%

20%

22.3%

21.7%

19.2%

Correct answer:

21.7%

Explanation:

This is a simple problem, so long as you don't forget that Bill and Ted have different amounts of money, so you can't simply average 15% and 25% to get 20%.

Calculate how much each donates:

4000(.15)= 600

8000(.25)= 2000

Now divide the total donation by their total wealth:

Now multiply this answer by 100, and then round to the nearest tenth to get 21.7%.

Example Question #2 : How To Do Distance Problems

Joe drove an average of 45 miles per hour along a 60-mile stretch of highway, then an average of 60 miles per hour along a 30-mile stretch of highway. What was his average speed, to the nearest mile per hour?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

At 45 mph, Joe drove 60 miles in  hours.

At 60 mph, he drove 30 miles in  hours. 

He made the 90-mile trip in  hours, so divide 90 by  to get the average speed in mph:

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