DAT Quantitative Reasoning Question of the Day

1. 11.5 in
2. 12.6 in (correct answer)
3. 13.8 in
4. 14.5 in

Explanation: Unit conversion problems on the DAT require careful attention to setting up your conversion factor correctly. When converting between metric and imperial units, you need to ensure you're multiplying and dividing in the right direction. To convert 32 cm to inches using the given conversion factor $1\text{ in} = 2.54\text{ cm}$, set up the calculation so the centimeters cancel out: $32\text{ cm} \times \frac{1\text{ in}}{2.54\text{ cm}} = \frac{32}{2.54}\text{ in} = 12.6\text{ in}$ This confirms that choice B is correct. Looking at the wrong answers: Choice A (11.5 in) results from a calculation error, likely from using an incorrect conversion factor or arithmetic mistake. Choice C (13.8 in) suggests the student may have used an approximate conversion like 1 inch = 2.3 cm instead of the given 2.54 cm. Choice D (14.5 in) indicates a more significant error, possibly from inverting the conversion factor or using 1 inch = 2.2 cm. The most common trap in conversion problems is setting up the fraction incorrectly. Always write your conversion factor so that the units you're converting from appear in the denominator and cancel out. Double-check by ensuring your final answer makes logical sense - since centimeters are smaller than inches, 32 cm should convert to a smaller number when expressed in inches.