Mastering the Workkeys Math Test: Understanding Measurement Differences

You fill two 18 inch containers with stream water. If one is 8/18 inches full and the other is 5/18 inches full, how much less water is in the second container?

• A. 1/4 inches
• B. 1/5 inches
• C. 1/6 inches
• D. 1/3 inches

Answer: (C)

To find out how much less water is in the second container compared to the first, you start by determining the amounts of water in both containers. The first container is filled with 8/18 inches of water, while the second container has 5/18 inches of water. To find the difference between these two amounts, you subtract the amount of water in the second container from the amount in the first container: 8/18 - 5/18 = (8 - 5)/18 = 3/18 inches. Now, to simplify 3/18, you can divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3: 3/18 = 1/6 inches. This indicates that the first container has 1/6 inches more water than the second container. Therefore, when asked how much less water is in the second container, the answer is indeed 1/6 inches, aligning with the correct choice. This calculation clarifies the relationship between the two amounts of water in the context of the question.

When it comes to taking the Workkeys Math Test, measurement questions can feel a bit tricky. But you know what? They’re just numbers waiting to be sorted out! One common type involves comparing quantities—like figuring out how much less water is in one container compared to another. Let’s take a closer look at a problem that exemplifies this kind of question, shall we?

Imagine you’ve got two 18-inch containers filled with stream water. Sounds simple enough, right? One container sits pretty at 8/18 inches full, while the other hangs out at 5/18 inches full. To see how much less water is in the second container, we perform a little subtraction magic!

So, let’s break it down step by step. We subtract the amount in the second container from the first:

[

8/18 - 5/18 = (8 - 5)/18 = 3/18

]

Now, here’s a crucial part—let’s simplify that! When we divide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common divisor, which is 3, we get:

[

3/18 = 1/6

]

Here’s the kicker: the first container holds 1/6 inches more water than the second one. There you have it—the second container has 1/6 inches less water!

Understanding these small differences can make a big impact when you’re under the test pressure. It’s all about taking your time to understand what’s in front of you. Math isn’t just a set of cold numbers; it’s a world of relationships!

Remember, every little step counts, just like the trickle of water filling those containers. It all leads to understanding and confidence in your answers, especially when faced with similar problems in the Workkeys Math Test. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and channel that energy into the math at hand. You’ve got this!

Now, for those who might want to twist this knowledge into real-world scenarios, think about how often measurements come into play in daily life. Whether you’re cooking, gardening, or planning a project, understanding how to compare and analyze different amounts is invaluable.

As you prep for your test, keep practicing these kinds of problems. Familiarity breeds confidence, and confidence is key to performance. When you can look at a problem and say, “Oh, I’ve seen this before!” you’re one step closer to test day success. So grab some practice problems, and tackle them with vigor! Success on the Workkeys Math Test is within your reach.