Question

A seamstress receives \(\$ 0.95\) for every shirt sleeve she sews. If she sews an average of 15 sleeves an hour, how much will she make per hour? A. \(\$ 14.25\) B. \(\$ 15.79\) C. \(\$ 15.95\) D. \(\$ 16.25\)

Short answer

\$14.25 per hour.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the rate per sleeve

A seamstress earns \(\$0.95\) for each sleeve she sews.

Determine the number of sleeves sewn per hour

The seamstress sews an average of 15 sleeves per hour.

Calculate the hourly earnings

Multiply the amount earned per sleeve by the number of sleeves sewn per hour. \(\$0.95 \times 15 = \$14.25\)

Compare to options

The calculated earning per hour \(\$14.25\) matches option A.

Key concepts

Seamstress Earnings

Understanding how to calculate a seamstress's earnings is crucial, especially if you're preparing for a math test like the GED. In this example, the seamstress gets paid \(\)\$0.95\(\) for every shirt sleeve she sews. A vital first step is knowing this rate. The problem then tells us how many sleeves she can sew in an hour—15 sleeves. Finally, to find out her hourly wage, you simply multiply these two numbers. This is practical knowledge whether you are a student or someone working in a similar role.
By following these steps, you can solve many similar problems and understand how to apply these concepts in real-world situations.

Multiplication

Multiplication is a fundamental mathematical operation that we use in various aspects of daily life. In this exercise, you multiply two numbers to find the seamstress's hourly wage. She earns \(\)\$0.95\(\) per sleeve and sews 15 sleeves per hour.
The multiplication step looks like this: \(\)\$0.95 \times 15 = \$14.25\(\). This gives us the final amount the seamstress earns in one hour.
Understanding multiplication is crucial for solving many types of problems, whether they relate to seamstress earnings or more complex calculations on standardized tests like the GED.
To succeed, practice multiplying different types of numbers, such as decimals and whole numbers.

GED Test Math

The GED test covers a range of mathematical concepts, and understanding hourly wage calculations can be part of it. In this problem, you're not just crunching numbers; you're learning to apply math skills to real-life scenarios. This gives the problem practical importance.
On the GED, you'll encounter various questions requiring basic to moderate math skills, such as multiplication, division, and understanding rates and proportions. For example, if a GED question asks how much a worker earns per hour, you'll need to identify the rate per unit and the number of units completed in an hour, just like we did with the seamstress.
If you practice these steps, you'll get better at solving similar problems, helping to prepare you for success on the GED math section.