PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 238: Answer and Explanation

Question: 238

An architect is building a scale model of the Statue of Liberty. The real statue measures 305 feet, 6 inches from the bottom of the base to the tip of the torch. The architect plans to make her model 26 inches tall. If Lady Liberty's nose on the actual statue is 4 feet, 6 inches long, how long in inches should the nose on the model be?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Problem Solving and Data Analysis/Rates, Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages

Getting to the Answer: Pay careful attention to the units. You need to convert all of the dimensions to inches, and then set up and solve a proportion. The real statue's height is 305 × 12 = 3,660 + 6 = 3,666 inches; the length of the nose on the real statue is 4 × 12 = 48 + 6 = 54 inches; the height of the model statue is 26 inches; the length of the nose on the model is unknown. Now set up and solve your equation:

Choice (C) is correct.