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NSWMaths Standard 2Quick questions
Year 12: Networks
Quick questions on Forward and backward scanning and activity float for HSC Maths Standard 2
11short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is forward scanning (earliest times)?Show answer
Label each event (node) with the earliest time it can occur, computed by working forward from the project start.
What is backward scanning (latest times)?Show answer
Label each event with the latest time it can occur without delaying the project, computed by working backward from the project end.
What is time computations for each activity?Show answer
For activity from event to event with duration :
What is float?Show answer
The float of an activity is the maximum delay possible without extending the project:
What is critical path?Show answer
The critical path consists of activities with zero float. It is also the longest path through the network (the same path found in the previous dot point's analysis).
What is compact notation?Show answer
The HSC often uses a four-quadrant notation per event:
What is australian construction (extension to previous example)?Show answer
Forward: Event EST ; Event (after ) EST ; Event (after ) EST ; Event (after and ) EST ; Event (after ) EST ; Event (after ) EST .
What is confusing event times with activity times?Show answer
EST and LFT are properties of events (nodes). Each activity's EST is the EST of its start event; each activity's LFT is the LFT of its end event.
What is off-by-one on float?Show answer
Float LFT EST duration. Easy to forget the duration.
What is calling the shortest path critical?Show answer
The critical path is the LONGEST, made up of zero-float activities.
What is forgetting to label all events?Show answer
Every event needs both EST and LFT. Use a clear two-number labelling. :::