Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) Practice

If 3/8 of a random sample of Canadians preferred carrot muffins and 1/4 preferred bran muffins, what is the total fraction of people who prefer these muffins?

1. 7/8

2. 5/8

3. 3/8

4. 1/2

The correct answer is: 5/8

To find the total fraction of people who prefer either carrot muffins or bran muffins, you simply add the fractions representing each preference. The fraction of Canadians who prefer carrot muffins is 3/8. The fraction who prefer bran muffins is 1/4. To add these fractions together, it's helpful to express both fractions with a common denominator. The denominator of 8 can be used since 1/4 can be converted into eighths: 1/4 is equivalent to 2/8 (because 1 x 2 = 2 and 4 x 2 = 8). Now, adding 3/8 (carrot muffins) and 2/8 (bran muffins) gives: 3/8 + 2/8 = (3 + 2)/8 = 5/8. This means the total fraction of people who prefer either carrot muffins or bran muffins is 5/8, making it the correct answer to the question. This approach demonstrates how to properly handle the addition of fractions, ensuring clarity in identifying the overall preferences within the sample.