Unit 3 · Measurement and Data
Lap Times Table — Find the Exact Times
Lesson 2 of 13
Lap times like 58.2 and 58.200 are the same number. Write all times with the same number of decimal places first, then sort from smallest to largest — smallest time = fastest driver.
Decimal ordering in data tables appears in the easy band of Selective MR. The key trap is treating 58.2 as greater than 58.208 (confusing digit count with value) or treating 58.31 as less than 58.208 (comparing hundredths before looking at tenths).
The examiner tests whether students (1) recognise that faster = smaller time, (2) correctly pad decimals for comparison (58.2 = 58.200, 58.31 = 58.310), (3) sort all five accurately, and (4) report the top 3 in order (fastest first).
A table of names and decimal times is given. Students order the times from smallest to largest (or largest to smallest) and identify the top performers.
Best approach: Rewrite all times to 3 decimal places: 58.046, 58.117, 58.200, 58.208, 58.310. Sort ascending. Read off the first three: Adams, Smith, Batra.
Question
The table shows the exact times taken by five racing drivers to complete one lap of a motor racing circuit.
| Name | Time (seconds) |
|---|---|
| Smith | 58.117 |
| Cruz | 58.208 |
| Adams | 58.046 |
| Batra | 58.2 |
| Evans | 58.31 |
Who were the fastest three drivers, in order, starting with the fastest?
Select an answer to see the explanation.
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