For men taking the Air Force Physical Fitness Test, the best possible time to run 1.5 miles is in less than
A. 15 minutes, 30 seconds
B. 13 minutes, 36 seconds
C. 9 minutes, 12 seconds
D. 10 minutes, 23 seconds
Answer (1)
Convert all options to seconds.
Compare the times in seconds.
Identify the smallest time.
The best possible time is 9 minutes, 12 seconds .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We need to determine the shortest time among the given options for the Air Force Physical Fitness Test. To do this, we will convert each time into seconds and then compare the values.
Converting to Seconds First, convert each option to seconds: Option A: 15 minutes and 30 seconds = ( 15 × 60 ) + 30 = 900 + 30 = 930 seconds Option B: 13 minutes and 36 seconds = ( 13 × 60 ) + 36 = 780 + 36 = 816 seconds Option C: 9 minutes and 12 seconds = ( 9 × 60 ) + 12 = 540 + 12 = 552 seconds Option D: 10 minutes and 23 seconds = ( 10 × 60 ) + 23 = 600 + 23 = 623 seconds
Comparing the Times Comparing the times in seconds, we have: Option A: 930 seconds Option B: 816 seconds Option C: 552 seconds Option D: 623 seconds The shortest time is 552 seconds, which corresponds to option C.
Final Answer Therefore, the best possible time to run 1.5 miles is in less than 9 minutes and 12 seconds.
Examples
Understanding time and speed is crucial in many real-life scenarios, such as planning travel, managing project timelines, or even optimizing athletic performance. For instance, if you're training for a marathon, knowing your pace per mile (or 1.5 miles in this case) helps you predict your finishing time and adjust your strategy accordingly. Similarly, in logistics, calculating the fastest delivery routes ensures timely arrival and customer satisfaction. This problem demonstrates a basic but essential skill in time management and performance assessment.
