PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 510: Answer and Explanation

Question: 510

Jeshua is making flashcards. He can make 18% of the flashcards he needs per hour, on average. If Jeshua continues at this rate, which of the following is the approximate number of flashcards he can make in one hour if he needs 398 flashcards?

• A. 68
• B. 72
• C. 76
• D. 80

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks for an approximate number of flashcards that is determined by a specific percentage. "Percent" means to divide by 100, so change the given percent, 18%, to a decimal, 0.18. Multiply the total number of flashcards, 398, by 0.18 to find the approximate number of flashcards Jeshua can make in an hour. The result is 398 × 0.18 = 71.64, and the questions asks for an approximation, so round to the nearest whole number, 72. The correct answer is (B).