Mastering the Sum of Sequences: A CFAT Essential

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Understand how to calculate the sum of a sequence, like adding 3/4 multiple times, a key concept for CFAT success. Hone your math skills to boost your confidence in tackling test problems effectively.

When it comes to the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT), sharpening your math skills is a game-changer. You might be thinking, "What do I need to know?" Well, let’s break it down, shall we?

Take the question about summing the sequence of 3/4 added 120 times. Sounds tricky? Not at all! It’s all about understanding and applying basic principles of arithmetic. Imagine you’re at your favorite café—how often do you order that perfect latte? What if you could ask for a fraction of a dozen lattes? Okay, maybe not, but the concept of repeating values comes into play in a very similar way.

So, how do you tackle the math behind this? You can use the formula for the sum of repeated additions. Basically, when you add a number to itself over and over, you simply multiply it by the number of times you’re adding it. Let’s put that into practice—this is going to be a fun little math moment!

Starting with our fraction, we have:

(3/4) * 120

Sounds straightforward, right? Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and do some calculations. First, multiply 3 by 120, which equals… drumroll, please… 360! Next, divide 360 by 4, and voilà! You get 90.

Why is this important? Well, during the CFAT, you’ll encounter similar questions where understanding the sum of sequences can really help you score big. Whether you’re looking at fractions, percentages, or even basic multiplication, the ability to swiftly calculate can save valuable time on test day.

And just to reinforce that, let’s circle back to our answer. The sum of 3/4 added 120 times is indeed 90. You see, the other options—60, 75, and 100—are not just random; they fall victim to miscalculations. By honing in on this fundamental concept, you position yourself to not only answer this specific type of question but to tackle a variety of mathematical hurdles thrown your way.

Picture this: you’re confidently breezing through the math section of your CFAT, questions feeling less like a chore and more like a puzzle that you’re cracking! Each problem is another chance to flex your newly honed math muscles. Who doesn’t love that?

Understanding how to sum sequences like this brings a practical edge to your test preparation. Plus, it’s one more tool in your metallic toolbox as you gear up for what’s next in your Canadian Forces journey. You may even find that with practice, your mind will start to recognize patterns and shortcuts that make these calculations feel like second nature.

So next time someone throws a math sequence at you, especially during your CFAT prep, you can confidently flash that knowing smile, multiply, and divide your way to success. And remember, keep practicing! There's no substitute for familiarity when it comes to exams. Trust me, you’ve got this!