A project activity has an early start of day 10, early finish of day 15, late start of day 14, and late finish of day 19. How much float does this activity have?
Correct Answer
A) 4 days
Float is calculated as Late Start minus Early Start (or Late Finish minus Early Finish). In this case: 14 - 10 = 4 days of float, or alternatively 19 - 15 = 4 days of float.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Float (also called slack) represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's critical path. It is calculated using either Late Start minus Early Start or Late Finish minus Early Finish. Both methods yield the same result: 14 - 10 = 4 days or 19 - 15 = 4 days. This means the activity can be delayed by up to 4 days without impacting the overall project schedule.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 5 days
5 days is incorrect because it appears to be the duration of the activity (15 - 10 = 5 or 19 - 14 = 5), not the float. Duration and float are completely different concepts in project scheduling.
Option C: 9 days
9 days is incorrect and doesn't correspond to any meaningful calculation in this context. It might result from incorrectly adding some of the given values, but has no basis in float calculation methodology.
Option D: 0 days
0 days would indicate this is a critical path activity with no flexibility for delays. However, since Late Start (14) is greater than Early Start (10), this activity clearly has scheduling flexibility and is not on the critical path.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LESE' - Late minus Early equals Slack/float. Whether you use Start times or Finish times, Late minus Early always gives you the float.
Reference Hint
Look up 'Critical Path Method (CPM)' and 'Float/Slack Calculations' in project management or construction scheduling chapters
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Previous Question
A project has a base cost estimate of $2,400,000. The contractor adds a 3% design contingency, 2% construction contingency, and 8% profit. What is the total project price?
Next Question
Which type of Certificate of Occupancy is issued for a building that will be occupied before all work is completely finished?