An industrial loom weaves 0.128 metres of cloth every second. Approximately, how many seconds will it take for the loom to weave 25 metres of cloth? (M.B.A., 2003)

### Concept & Time and Work When a constant rate of work is given, the total time required is the total work divided by the rate of work. $$ \text{Time} = \frac{\text{Total Work}}{\text{Rate of Work}} $$ ### Step-by-Step Solution * Given rate: 0.128 metres per second. * Total required cloth (work): 25 metres. * Total time = $\frac{25}{0.128}$ seconds. * Convert decimal to fraction to simplify: $0.128 = \frac{128}{1000}$. * Time = $\frac{25}{\frac{128}{1000}} = \frac{25000}{128}$. * $25000 \div 128 = 195.3125$ seconds. * The approximate time is 195 seconds. ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut To approximate $\frac{25000}{128}$, recognize that $128 \times 2 = 256$. So $128 \times 200 = 25600$. Since 25000 is just slightly less than 25600, the answer must be slightly less than 200. Looking at the options, 195 is the only logical fit. ### Common Pitfall Getting bogged down in exact long division of a 5-digit number by a 3-digit number. When asked for an approximation, use rounding and bounding to save time. ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **195**.