In CPM scheduling, if Activity X has an early start of day 10, duration of 5 days, and late finish of day 18, what is the total float for this activity?
Correct Answer
C) 4 days
Early finish = Early start + Duration = 10 + 5 = 15. Total float = Late finish - Early finish = 18 - 15 = 3 days. However, this appears to be a calculation error in the explanation. Let me recalculate: Total float = Late finish - Early finish = 18 - 15 = 3 days, but the late start would be 18 - 5 = 13, so total float = 13 - 10 = 3 days.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The correct answer is actually C) 3 days, not D) 4 days as stated. Total float represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date. It's calculated as Late Finish - Early Finish, where Early Finish = Early Start + Duration = 10 + 5 = 15 days, and Total Float = 18 - 15 = 3 days. This can also be verified by calculating Late Start - Early Start = (18 - 5) - 10 = 13 - 10 = 3 days.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2 days
1 day is incorrect because it significantly underestimates the available float time by 2 days
Option D: 3 days
4 days is incorrect because it overestimates the available float time by 1 day, likely from a calculation error
Memory Technique
Remember 'LEAF' - Late minus Early equals Available Float (Late Finish - Early Finish = Total Float)
Reference Hint
Look up CPM scheduling and float calculations in Chapter 6 (Project Management) of the Florida General Contractor Reference Manual
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