What is the total horsepower of five motors rated 1/16 hp, 1/4 hp, 1/3 hp, 3/4 hp, and 1/8 hp?

• A. 1 1/4 hp
• B. 1 1/2 hp
• C. 1 3/4 hp
• D. 2 hp

Answer: (B)

Add the five fractional horsepower values and use a common denominator to keep the math clean. With denominators 16, 4, 3, 4, and 8, a convenient common denominator is 48. Convert each rating: 1/16 becomes 3/48, 1/4 becomes 12/48, 1/3 becomes 16/48, 3/4 becomes 36/48, and 1/8 becomes 6/48. Sum them: 3 + 12 + 16 + 36 + 6 = 73/48, which is 1 and 25/48 hp, about 1.52 hp. The option that matches most closely is 1 1/2 hp (1.50 hp), so that choice is the best answer.