Cracking the HSPT: Understanding 4 Times 1/8 of 80

When preparing for the High School Placement Test (HSPT), understanding how to navigate math problems, especially those that involve fractions and multiplication, is key. One common question type you'll encounter is the need to calculate expressions like "What number is 4 times 1/8 of 80?" Sounds tricky? Not really! Let’s break it down together.

First off, let’s talk about fractions because, boy, do they seem intimidating at first glance! The problem asks us to find a fraction of a number, and in this case, we’re hunting for 1/8 of 80. Now, I can almost hear some of you groaning in your seats. Fractions might remind you of long, sleepless nights studying, but let’s lighten that up a bit—math is more like a puzzle, and this one is a simple piece!

So, here's the step-by-step to crack this puzzle: Step one is to compute 1/8 of 80. To do that, you simply divide 80 by 8. Here’s how it plays out:

80 ÷ 8 = 10.

Don’t worry! We’re not done yet. Now, remember, the question is asking for 4 times that result—which leads us to Step two: multiply that 10 by 4. Looks straightforward, right? Let’s see:

10 × 4 = 40.

There it is! The answer we’re looking for is 40! Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy—at least once you get the hang of it. But why does this matter? Well, it’s not just about memorizing how to solve a problem like this; it's about understanding the concept behind it.

Understanding how to calculate fractions can help you tackle a wide range of questions, not only on the HSPT but in your future math classes. Think of fractions as your mathematical toolbox. The more tools you have, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever question comes your way!

You might be thinking, “Okay, so I got 40, but what about the other options?” Great question! The choices were 32, 64, and 24. But here’s the reality: they don’t add up to the calculations we performed. The math doesn’t lie. Only 40 meets our criteria.

Now, since we’re on the subject of preparation, it’s crucial to practice similar problems—not just to memorize the steps but to build your confidence. Try creating your own problems or working through practice tests. They can reveal subtle insights into the test format, which can reduce anxiety when test day rolls around.

And remember, it’s totally normal to feel a bit lost at times. The HSPT is designed to challenge you, but with practice and understanding, you're setting yourself up for success. So embrace the process!

In closing, tackling math questions like this one will not only help you with the HSPT but will serve you well in your upcoming high school journey. The road may seem a little bumpy, but with each calculation, you're not just learning math—you're building skills that will last a lifetime. So, roll up those sleeves and get ready to crunch some numbers!