PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 538: Answer and Explanation

Question: 538

A bakery’s specialty flour is a mixture of almond and coconut flour. The ratio of almond flour to coconut flour is 7:38 by volume. If a bakery uses 180 cups of the flour mixture in a day, what is the volume, in cups, of the almond flour used?

• A. 28
• B. 68
• C. 126
• D. 152

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The question asks for a value based on a ratio. The question states the ratio of almond flour to coconut flour is 7:38. To solve a ratio question, determine the number of parts in each group, then determine the number of groups in the whole. To do this, add the ratio numbers to get the number of parts: 7 + 38 = 45. To find the number of groups of 45 that are needed to get to the whole of 180, set up an equation: 45x = 180. Divide both sides by 45 to get x = 4. Use the ratio number for almond flour parts and the number of groups in the whole to calculate the actual volume of almond flour: 7(4) = 28 cups. The correct answer is (A).