In a CPM network, Activity X has an early start of day 15, duration of 8 days, and late finish of day 28. What is the total float for this activity?
Correct Answer
A) 5 days
Early finish = Early start + Duration = 15 + 8 = 23. Total float = Late finish - Early finish = 28 - 23 = 5 days. This represents how long the activity can be delayed without affecting project completion.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because total float is calculated by finding the difference between late finish and early finish. First, we calculate the early finish: Early Start (15) + Duration (8) = 23 days. Then we find the total float: Late Finish (28) - Early Finish (23) = 5 days. This means Activity X can be delayed up to 5 days without impacting the overall project completion date.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 7 days
Option D (10 days) is incorrect because it appears to be simply subtracting Duration from Late Finish (28 - 8 = 20, not 10) or possibly calculating Late Start minus Early Start incorrectly.
Option C: 3 days
Option A (3 days) is incorrect because it appears to be calculating Late Finish minus Early Start minus Duration (28 - 15 - 8 = 5, not 3), or possibly confusing this with a different float calculation method.
Memory Technique
Remember 'FLED' - Float = Late finish minus Early finish Duration. Or think 'How much can I be LATE?' = Late Finish - Early Finish.
Reference Hint
Look up 'Critical Path Method (CPM)' and 'Float Calculations' in your project management or scheduling chapter, typically found in construction management sections.
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