SEPTEMBER 2015 
  DR. Z’s CORNER 
   
 
 
 
 
Conquering the FE & PE exams 
 
 
 
Examples & Applications 
 
 
 

 Topics covered in this month’s column: 
 

 FE CIVIL Exam Topics & Number of Questions 
 Four Important Things That You Need 
 Math, Angle Conversions, From DMS to 
Decimal and Vice Versa 
 Math, Operations With Complex Numbers 
 Math, Binary and Decimal Conversions 
 Math, Definite Integrals 
 Statics and Mechanics of Materials 
 Centroids & Moments of Inertia Calculations 
 Determinate Beams and Frames 
 Technology Usage (Calculator) 
 
 FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING
 
CIVIL EXAM TOPICS 
Computer-Based Test (CBT)

  Total Number of Questions: 110 
  Time: 6 hours 
The  new  Civil  FE  Computer‐Based  Test  (CBT)  consists  of  110 
multiple‐choice  questions  (Each  problem  only  one  question) 
the examinee will have 6 hours to complete the test.
 Mathematics (Approx. 9 questions*) 
 Probability and Statistics (5  questions) 
 Computational Tools (5  questions) 
 Ethics and Professional Practice (5  questions) 
 Engineering Economics (5  questions) 
 Statics (9  questions) 
 Dynamics (5  questions) 
 Mechanics of Materials (9  questions) 
 Civil Engineering Materials (5 questions) 
 Fluid Mechanics (5 questions) 
 Hydraulics and Hydrologic Systems (10 questions) 
 Structural Analysis ( 8 questions) 
 Structural Design ( 8 questions) 
 Geotechnical Engineering ( 12 questions) 
 Transportation Engineering ( 10 questions) 
 Environmental Engineering ( 8 questions) 
* Here the number of questions are the average values taken from the
NCEES Reference Handbook (Version 9.1 / Computer-Based Test) 

ASCE‐111 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2014
 WHAT DO YOU NEED ?
 

 
CALCULATOR 
 
NCEES REFERENCE MANUAL
 

 
ONLY FOR 
FE & PE  ONLY FOR
 
PROBLEMS  FE & PE 
 

 
MATERIAL
 
D‐RING BINDER 
 

 
ASCE‐620 
ZEYTINCI 
CANVAS BAG
FALL 2014 

ANGLE CONVERSIONS
FROM(DMS)TODECIMALDEGREES
MANUALCALCULATIONS

Degrees, minutes and seconds:(dº m' s")


One degree is equal to 60 minutes and 3600 seconds:

1º = 60' = 3600"
One minute is equal to 1/60 degrees:

1' = (1/60)º = 0.01666667º

One second is equal to 1/3600 degrees:

1" = (1/3600)º = 0.000277778º

For an angle with d (integer) degrees, m minutes, and s seconds:

dº m' s"

The formula to convert DMS to decimal degrees:

Angle = d + m / 60 + s / 3600

Example

Convert 5 degrees 25 minutes and 30 seconds angle to decimal degrees:

Angle = 5º 25' 30"

The decimal degrees dd is equal to:

Angle = d + m/60 + s/3600 = 5º + 25'/60 + 30"/3600

= 5.425º
ANGLE-315
ZEYTINCI
FALLͲ2015
  
ANGLE CONVERSIONS
FROM (DMS) TO DECIMAL DEGREES 
 
USING CALCULATOR 
Problem:

Convert the angle given as 5 degrees, 25 minutes, and 30 seconds to

decimal degrees using your calculator.

Solution:
 

 
Angle = 5º, 25', 30"
 

 
KEY SEQUENCE 
 
ANGLE‐315 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
  ANGLE CONVERSIONS
  FROM (DMS) TO DECIMAL DEGREES 
  USING CALCULATOR 
 

 
Important 
  Keys
 

 
Angle = 15º, 35', 45"
 

 
KEY SEQUENCE 
 
ANGLE‐315‐1 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
 ANGLE CONVERSIONS
 
  FROM (DMS) TO DECIMAL DEGREES 
  SUPPLEMENTAL PROBLEMS 
 

  (1) 
 

 
(2) 
 

 
ANGLE‐115 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2015 
  
ANGLE CONVERSIONS
 
FROM DECIMAL TO DEGREES, MINUTES, SECONDS 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL PROBLEMS 
 

 
(1) 
 

(2) 
 

 
ANGLE‐115‐1 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2015 
  ANGLE CONVERSIONS
 
FROM DECIMAL TO DEGREES, MINUTES, SECONDS 
USING CALCULATOR 
 

 
 
  KEY SEQUENCE
 

 
ANGLE‐115‐2 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2015 
   ANGLE CONVERSIONS
 
FROM DECIMAL TO DEGREES, MINUTES, SECONDS 
USING CALCULATOR 
 

 
ANGLE‐115‐3 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2015 
 NUMBER SYSTEMS
BINARY & DECIMAL 
 
NCEES Reference Handbook, Page: 213 

Binary Number System: 
In  digital  computers,  binary  number  system  (the  base‐2)  is  used.  Conversions 
from  BINARY  to  DECIMAL  or  from  DECIMAL  to  BINARY  can  easily  be  done  using 
the calculator. Binary (base‐2), decimal (base‐10). 

Problem: 
Find the binary equivalent of decimal 25? Here, decimal is base‐10. 
Turn on your calculator 
 

1) Press MODE 
2) Press “4” 
3) Enter 25 and press “ = ” 
4) Make sure to see 25 under Dec on the screen 
5)  Press SHIFT then “log” 
6) Answer: 11001 

Problem: 
Find the decimal equivalent of binary 1111?  
Turn on your calculator 
 
1) Press MODE 
2) Press “4” 
3) Press SHIFT then press “log” key 
4) Enter 1111 and then press “ = ” 
5) Make sure to see 1111 under Bin on the screen 
2 
6) Press SHIFT then hit “ x ” key 
7) Answer: 15 
 
 
MATH‐126 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2014 
  

 
NUMBER SYSTEMS
 
BINARY & DECIMAL (NCEES‐RH / Page 213) 
Technology Usage 
 

   From DECIMAL to BINARY
 

 
Find the Binary equivalent of 
Decimal “7.” 
 

 
KEY SEQUENCE: 
 

 
  DECIMAL (7) = BINARY (111)
BNRY‐180 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
 

  NUMBER SYSTEMS
 
BINARY & DECIMAL (NCEES‐RH / Page 213) 
 
Technology Usage 
 

 
 From DECIMAL to BINARY
 

  Find the Binary equivalent of 
  Decimal “51.” 
 

  KEY SEQUENCE: 
 

 
BNRY‐180‐1  DECIMAL (51) = BINARY (110011)
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
  

 
NUMBER SYSTEMS
 
BINARY & DECIMAL (NCEES‐RH / Page 213) 
Technology Usage 
 

   From BINARY to DECIMAL
 
Find the Decimal equivalent 
 
of Binary “1100.” 
 

  KEY SEQUENCE: 
 

 
BNRY‐180‐2 
BINARY (1100) = DECIMAL (12)
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
 
NUMBER SYSTEMS
 
BINARY & DECIMAL (NCEES‐RH / Page 213) 
 
Technology Usage 
 

 
 From BINARY to DECIMAL
 

  Binary 101010 is given. Find 
 
the Decimal equivalent.
 

 
KEY SEQUENCE: 
 

  BINARY (101010) = DECIMAL (42)

 
BNRY‐180‐3 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
 NUMBER SYSTEMS
BINARY & DECIMAL (NCEES‐RH / Page 213) 
Supplemental Problems 
 

   
(1) 
 

   

        

(2)          

(3)   

       

       

(4)   

      

(5)   

BNRY‐222 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
 SAMPLE (FE) PROBLEM
MORNING SESSION 
 

MATHEMATICS

Problem:

Shaded
Area = ?

2
I   x 2 . e  x dx
0

The value of the definite integral shown

above (shaded area) is most nearly:

(A) 0.2556
(B) 0.6466
(C) 11.554
(D) 325.08

ASCE‐325 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2015 
 SAMPLE (FE) PROBLEMS
MORNING SESSION 
 

MATHEMATICS

2
I   x 2 . e  x dx
0

KEY SEQUENCE 
ASCE‐325‐1 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2015 
 DEFINITE INTEGRALS
AREAS UNDER CURVES 
Using CASIO FX‐115 ES PLUS 

Problem: 

f ( x)   23  x

                                            

The area under the graph shown is most nearly:

(A) 5.06
(B) 4.25
(C) 2.15
(D) 1.37

ASCE‐355 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2014 
  

 
Solution using calculator:

                                        

  Important Keys 
 

Key Sequence: 

ASCE‐355‐1 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL‐2015 
 SAMPLE (FE) PROBLEMS
MORNINGSESSION
MATHEMATICS

Problem:

3
2
I ³ x . (e ) dx
x
2
0

The value of the definite integral shown

above is most nearly:

(A) 20
(B) 3986
(C) 1112
(D) 11432

Comments:

At first, this problem seems complex, but actually it

is not. You can easily get the correct answer in
about 15 seconds using your calculator.

ASCEͲ418
ZEYTINCI
FALL2015
 DEFINITE INTEGRALS
AREAS UNDER CURVES 
Using Calculator 
  Solution: 

                                            

Some important keys: 

Key sequence: 

ASCE‐418‐1 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2014 
 Problem: (Determinate Beam Analysis)

4k 4k 4k 4k 4k P

A Support A : Pin
B
C Support B : Roller
3’ 2’ 2’ 2’ 2’ 3’
4’
18’

Point C : 8 ft to the left of B

A simple beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Using the

given support conditions, answer the following questions:

(1) If two support reactions are equal, the value of P (k) is, P

(A) 4
(B) 8
(C) 10
(D) 12

(2) the vertical support reactions (kips) at the supports, Ay By

(A) 18
(B) 14
(C) 12
(D) 10

(3) the magnitude of the shear force (k) at C is most nearly, VC

(A) 8
(B) 6
(C) 4
(D) 2

(4) the maginute of the moment (k.ft) at C is most nearly, MC

(A) 66
(B) 72
(C) 76
(D) 80

BM-37-G
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2015
 FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING
DETERMINATE BEAMS
STATICS

2 kip / ft

A B

6 ft 6 ft

Support A : Pin
Support B : Roller

A simply supported beam is loaded as shown. Using the

given support conditions, the magnitude of maximum
bending moment (k-ft) is most nearly:

(A) 42.50
+V (B) 36.75 M max = ?
(C) 34.25
+M (D) 20.25

MCBM-10
ZEYTINCI
SPRING 2015
 RESULTANT OF TRAPEZOIDAL
LOADS

a b
L

a C R = Resultant (Snake)
b
R= Area of Trapezoid
x z
L

Formulas:

( 2b + a ( ( 2a + b (
A = L (a + b( x = L z = L
2 3 (a + b( 3 (a + b(

Examples

{ {
a = 24 a = 40
x = 2.80 ft. x = 4.0 m.
1 b = 16 3 b = 20
R = 270
L=6 R = 120 L=9m

{ {
a = 30 a = 36
x = 1.40 m. x = 5.6 m.
2 b = 20
R = 75
4 b = 24
R = 360
L=3m L = 12

TRAP-30
ZEYTINCI
SPRNG 2010
 Problem: (Cantilever Beams)

E
FE/PM
24 kN/m 10 kN 6 kN EXA

A Support A : Fixed
C B
2m 2m
6m

A cantilever beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Using the given

loads and support condition, answer the following questions:

(1) The vertical support reaction (kN) at the fixed support, Ay

(A) 88
(B) 105
(C) 113
(D) 128

(2) The bending moment (kN.m) at the fixed support, MA

(A) 510
(B) 414
(C) 325 +M
(D) 284

(3) The moment (kN.m) at C, the mid-point of AB is most nearly, MC

(A) 90
(B) 110
(C) 122
(D) 134

(4) The shear force (kN) at the mid-point of AB is most nearly

(A) 21.5
(B) 34.0
(C) 47.5
(D) 52.5

MCBM-360
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2010
 Problem: (Cantilever Beams)

E
30 kN FE/PM
30 kN/m EXA
20 kN/m 4
3

A Support A : Fixed
B C
3m 2m

A cantilever beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Using the given

loads and the support condition, answer the following questions:

(1) The vertical support reaction (kN) at the fixed support, Ay

(A) 69
(B) 78
(C) 87
(D) 99

(2) The bending moment (kN.m) at the fixed support, MA

(A) 125
(B) 185
(C) 205
(D) 225

(3) The horizontal support reaction (kN) at the fixed support, Ax

(A) 15.0
(B) 18.0
(C) 21.5
(D) 28.0

(4) The bending moment (kN.m) at the mid-point of AB is most nearly

(A) 94.5
(B) 108.4
(C) 122.5
(D) 148.7

MCBM-357
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2015
 Problem: (Cantilever Beams)

E
FE/PM
24 kN/m 8 kN 5 kN EXA
16 kN/m

A Support A : Fixed
B C
6m
2m 2m

A cantilever beam is loaded as shown in the figure. Using the given

loads and support condition, answer the following questions:

(1) The vertical support reaction (kN) at the fixed support, Ay

(A) 169
(B) 145
(C) 133
(D) 127

(2) The bending moment (kN.m) at the fixed support, MA

(A) 525
(B) 450
(C) 375 +M
(D) 265

(3) The moment (kN.m) at the mid-point of AB is most nearly, M

(A) 140
(B) 153
(C) 162
(D) 28.0

(4) The shear force (kN) at the mid-point of AB is most nearly

(A) 81.5
(B) 78.4
(C) 67.0
(D) 54.5

MCBM-358
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2010
 Problem: (Determinate Frames)

10 kN
18
20 kN
E
5 kN/m FE/PM
EXA
C B
3m
30
30kN
kN
Support A : Hinge
2m Support B : Roller
3m 4m 4m
A

The determinate frame is loaded as shown in the figure. Using the given
loads and the support conditions, answer the following questions:

(1) The magnitude of the horizontal support reaction (kN) at A, Ax

(A) 12.0
(B) 20.0
(C) 25.0
(D) 30.0

(2) The magnitude of the vertical support reaction (kN) at A, Ay

(A) 12.25
(B) 9.25
(C) 8.50
(D) 7.60

(3) The magnitude of the vertical support reaction (kN) at B, By

(A) 35.25
(B) 40.15
(C) 58.75
(D) 64.25

(4) The magnitude of the bending moment (kN-m) at joint C is most nearly, MC

(A) 120
(B) 90
(C) 80
(D) 75

MCFR-566
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2014
 Problem: (Determinate Frames)
E
FE/PM
EXA
/m
kN
8m 20 C

10
kN
12 m Support A : Hinge

/m
A Support B : Roller
6m

B
5m

The determinate frame is loaded as shown in the figure. Using the given
loads and the support conditions, answer the following questions:

(1) The magnitude of the horizontal support reaction (kN) at A, Ax

(A) 300
(B) 280
(C) 260
(D) 240

(2) The magnitude of the vertical support reaction (kN) at A, Ay

(A) 4.09
(B) 6.24
(C) 8.00
(D) 9.67

(3) The magnitude of the vertical support reaction (kN) at B, By

(A) 35.05
(B) 44.53
(C) 58.77
(D) 74.09
(4) The magnitude of the axial load (kN) in member BC is most nearly, NAC

(A) 52.08
(B) 68.39
(C) 74.46
(D) 85.69

MCFR-122
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2015
 Problem:

8, 25, 7, 5, 8, 3, 10, 12, 9

Consider the data set given above:

(a) Calculate the mean ( y )

(b) Calculate the Standard Deviation (sy)

Solution:

The mean is the sum of scores divided by n where n is the number of scores.

1. y 
y = (8+25+7+5+8+3+10+12+9)/9
n
= 9.67

2. the standard deviation may be calculated using the following formula:

sy 
( y i  y )2
Deviation  ( yi  y )
n 1

In order to calculate the values in the standard deviation formula, the

following table may be used:

Deviation = Score - Mean

2
Score Mean Deviation (Deviation)
------------------------------------------

8 9.67 - 1.67 2.79

25 9.67 +15.33 235.01
7 9.67 - 2.67 7.13
5 9.67 - 4.67 21.81
8 9.67 - 1.67 2.79
3 9.67 - 6.67 44.49
10 9.67 + .33 .11
12 9.67 + 2.33 5.43
9 9.67 - .67 .45

 = 320.01

PRBL‐210 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2014 
 Standard Deviation( Sy )

sy 
( y i  y )2

320.01
= 6.32
n 1 9 1

Sy = 6.32

Alternate method for calculating the Standard Deviation:

(The Raw Score Method)

Consider the raw scores 8, 25, 7, 5, 8, 3, 10, 12, 9.

1. First, square each of the scores.

2. Determine n, which is the number of scores.
2
3. Compute the sum of yi and the sum of yi
4. Then, calculate the standard deviation as illustrated below.
2
score(yi) yi
--------------------
8 64
25 625
7 49 n = 9
5 25
8 64  yi = 87
3 9
yi
2
10 100 = 1161
12 144
9 81
--- ----
87 1161

Standard Deviation( Sy )

y  y  /n
2 2
i
sy 
i
= square root[(1161)-(87*87)/9)/(9-1)]
n 1
= square root[(1161-(7569/9)/8)] = 6.32

IN FE-EXAM, YOUR " CASIO FX-115-ES PLUS " CALCULATOR SHOULD

BE USED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

PRBL‐210 
ZEYTINCI 
FALL 2014 
 Centroid / Moments of Inertia

3” 3”

5” C Solid 1
4” y=? Void 2

16”

Centroid Calculations

Ai yi Ai y i
in.2 in. in.3
1 144.00 4.5 648.00
2 -50.00 6.5 -325.00
S 94.00 323.00

S A i yi 323
y = = = 3.44 in.
S Ai 94

Moments of Inertia
2
Io Ai di A i di
in.4 in.2 in. in.4
1 972.00 144.00 1.06 162.97
2 -104.17 -50.00 3.06 -469.35

S 867.83 -306.38

Icx = S Io + S Ai . di2 = 867.83 - 306.38 = 561.45 in.4

3
5 x 103
Icy = Iy1+ Iy2 =9 x 16 - = 3072 - 416.7 = 2655.3 in.4
12 12

CC-113
ZEYTINCI
SPRNG 2014
 CENTROIDS / MOMENTS OF INERTIA
SUPPLEMENTAL PROBLEMS
E
FE/P S
EXAM
3”

1- 6” C
Icx = ? y = 3.0 in
y=? Icx = 204 in.4
2”
Icy = 135 in.4
9”
REF.
LINE

9”

4” y = 6.0 in
2- 6” C Icx = 480 in.4
y=? Icy = 545 in.4

2” 2”
2” 2”

3”
4”
3- 12” CC x
y = 5.83 in.
Icx = 978 in.4
y=?
Icy = 334 in.4

7”
y

2” 3” 2”
y y = 5.45 in.
4- Icx = 180.2 in.4
4”
C
x Icy = 51.88 in.4

6” y=?

LCC-111
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2014
 CENTROIDS / MOMENTS OF INERTIA
SUPPLEMENTAL PROBLEMS

2” 3” 2”
y y = 5.45 in.
1- CC-114 Icx = 180.2 in.4
4”
C
x Icy = 51.88 in.4

6” y=?

2” 2”

3”
4” y = 5.83 in.
2- CC-245 12” CC x
Icx = 978 in.4
y=?
Icy = 334 in.4

7”

r = 6”
6”
C y = 5.46 in.
3- CC-163
Icx = 823.1 in.4
5” y=?
Icy = 722.3 in.4

8”

1.5 ”

4- CXL-355
9”
C x Icx = 414.00 in.4
4” Icy = 160.00 in.4
1.5 ”

8”

LCC-125
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2014
 CENTROIDS / MOMENTS OF INERTIA
SUPPLEMENTAL PROBLEMS E
FE/P S
EXA M
y

3” 3”

y = 5.0 in
1- CC-318 8”
C x Icx = 1317 in.4
4” y=? Icy = 1733 in.4
5” 4” 5”

3” 8” 3”
4”

y = 6.90 in.
2- MCC-139
9” Icx = 2157 in.4
r
C
x Icy = 1123 in.4
7”
y=?

r = 3”
3- MCC-162 3” r
y = 7.99 in.
C x Icx = 826.5 in.4
3” 2”
4” 4” Icy = 221.3 in.4
y=?
9”

r = 3”

4- MCC-124
r
y = 5.20 in.
C x
11” Icx = 693.8 in.4
4” y=?
Icy = 879.5 in.4

3” 2” 2” 3”

LCC-120
ZEYTINCI
FALL 2014