IBEW Aptitude Numerical Reasoning Question and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker completes 3/8 of a job in 6 hours. At this rate, how many hours will the entire job take?
- 14 hours
- 16 hours (Correct answer)
- 18 hours
- 20 hours
Correct answer: 16 hours
If 3/8 of the job takes 6 hours, then 1/8 takes 2 hours, and 8/8 (the whole job) takes 8 × 2 = 16 hours.
Divide 6 hours by 3/8: 6 ÷ (3/8) = 6 × (8/3) = 48/3 = 16 hours. Alternatively, 1/8 of the job = 6/3 = 2 hours, so the full job = 8 × 2 = 16 hours. Rate and proportion problems like this frequently appear on the IBEW NJATC aptitude test.
Question 2: If a cable costs $2.40 per foot, how much does 37.5 feet cost?
- $88.00
- $90.00 (Correct answer)
- $92.50
- $96.00
Correct answer: $90.00
37.5 × $2.40 = $90.00.
37.5 × 2.40: 37 × 2.40 = 88.80, 0.5 × 2.40 = 1.20, total = 88.80 + 1.20 = $90.00. Decimal multiplication with money values tests numerical precision, an important skill for electricians pricing materials.
Question 3: A conduit run requires 4 sections of pipe. The sections measure 8¾ ft, 6½ ft, 11¼ ft, and 9 ft. What is the total length?
- 34 ft
- 35 ft (Correct answer)
- 35.5 ft
- 36 ft
Correct answer: 35 ft
8¾ + 6½ + 11¼ + 9 = 8.75 + 6.5 + 11.25 + 9 = 35.5 ft.
Converting: 8¾=8.75, 6½=6.5, 11¼=11.25, 9=9.0. Sum: 8.75+6.5=15.25, 15.25+11.25=26.5, 26.5+9=35.5 ft. Adding mixed-number measurements is a practical skill tested on the IBEW NJATC aptitude exam.
Question 4: Out of 240 workers on a job site, 15% are apprentices. How many apprentices are there?
- 30
- 36 (Correct answer)
- 42
- 48
Correct answer: 36
15% of 240 = 0.15 × 240 = 36.
15% = 15/100 = 0.15. Multiply: 0.15 × 240 = 36. Percentage calculations are essential numerical reasoning skills tested on the IBEW aptitude exam, as they apply to material waste factors, load calculations, and efficiency ratings.
Question 5: If an apprentice earns $22.50 per hour and works 8.5 hours, what is the gross pay?
- $185.25
- $191.25 (Correct answer)
- $195.75
- $202.50
Correct answer: $191.25
22.50 × 8.5 = 22.50 × 8 + 22.50 × 0.5 = 180 + 11.25 = $191.25.
22.50 × 8.5 = 22.50 × 8 + 22.50 × 0.5 = 180.00 + 11.25 = $191.25. Calculating earnings with decimal hours is a practical numerical skill tested on the IBEW NJATC aptitude test.
Question 6: A circuit has a resistance that increases by 12.5% when heated. If the original resistance is 80 ohms, what is the new resistance?
- 88 ohms
- 90 ohms (Correct answer)
- 92 ohms
- 95 ohms
Correct answer: 90 ohms
12.5% of 80 = 0.125 × 80 = 10. New resistance = 80 + 10 = 90 ohms.
12.5% increase: 0.125 × 80 = 10. New resistance = 80 + 10 = 90 ohms. Percentage increases apply directly to electrical work when calculating temperature coefficients of resistance, making this a relevant practical skill.
A worker completes 3/8 of a job in 6 hours.
At this rate, how many hours will the entire job take?