Practice GMAT Problem Solving Question

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There are 5,280 feet in 1 mile and 12 inches in one foot. How many inches are in a mile?
Correct Answer: C
  1. We are given two conversion factors and are asked to start with 1 mile and convert it to inches.
  2. The first conversion relates miles to feet: 1 mile = 5,280 ft. Thus, the 1 mile we began with is equivalent to 5,280 feet.
  3. In order to convert from feet to inches, we must set up a conversion ratio. Since 12 in = 1 ft, (12 in)/(1 ft) = 1. Likewise, (1 ft)/(12 in) = 1 since 1ft = 12in.
  4. Taking the 5,280 ft that we have in 1 mile, multiply it by the correct factor of 1, making sure the units cancel correctly:
    5,280ft * (12in/1ft) = 5,280(12) in
    The equation below aligns the units wrong. Do not make this mistake:
    5,280ft * (1ft/12in) = 5,280*1 ft2/in
  5. The first calculation yields the units we are looking for. Thus, the answer is C, 12*5,280.
  6. Another way to think of this problem is to realize that if there are 12 inches in 1 foot and 5280 foot in 1 mile, then:
    12 inch = 1 foot
    5280 feet = 1 mile
    Via substitution:
    5280 [12 inches] = 1 mile
    5280*12 = 1 mile

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