In a CPM network, Activity X has an Early Start of day 15, Duration of 6 days, and Late Finish of day 25. What is the Late Start for this activity?
Correct Answer
C) Day 19
Late Start is calculated as Late Finish minus Duration. Late Start = 25 - 6 = 19. This represents the latest day the activity can start without delaying the project.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because Late Start is calculated using the fundamental CPM formula: Late Start = Late Finish - Duration. Given that the Late Finish is day 25 and the Duration is 6 days, the Late Start equals 25 - 6 = 19. This represents the latest possible day Activity X can begin without causing the project to be delayed beyond its scheduled completion date.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Day 15
Day 21 would be the Early Finish (Early Start + Duration = 15 + 6 = 21), not the Late Start. This represents when the activity would finish if started at its earliest possible time.
Option B: Day 21
Day 25 is the Late Finish, not the Late Start. This represents the latest day the activity must be completed, not when it can start.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LF - D = LS' (Late Finish minus Duration equals Late Start). Think of it as working backwards: if you must finish by day 25 and need 6 days to complete the work, you must start by day 19 at the latest.
Reference Hint
Look up CPM (Critical Path Method) calculations in the Project Management or Scheduling chapter of your contractor reference manual, specifically the section on backward pass calculations.
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