Nursing Entrance Exam

Nursing Preparation Study Guide

3.3.2 Calculations with Percentage Calculating percentages is done by converting written statements into mathematical equations and solving for an unknown. In most cases involving percentages the written statement is “What percent of a whole is the part?” There are three steps involved in solving problems with percentages. • Step 1: Change the written statement into a mathematical equation. The word “of” translates to multiply. The word “is” translates into equals. The decimal form of the percent should be used in equations. • Step 2: Solve for the unknown quantity. • Step 3: Rewrite the statement and make sure that the answer is reasonable. Example 15% of 500 is what number? a. 150 b. 75 c. 100 d. 95 • Step 1: 0.15 × 500 = • Step 2: 0.15 × 500 = 75 • Step 3. 15% of 500 is 75. This seems reasonable since 15% of 500 should be a lot less than • 500. Since 75 is less than 500, the answer is reasonable. Therefore, the answer is B) 75. Example The instructions in a cookbook state that 700 grams of flour must be mixed in 100 ml of water, and 0.90 grams of salt added. A cook however has just 325 grams of flour. What is the quantity of water and salt that he should use? a. 0.41 grams and 46.4 ml b. 0.45 grams and 49.3 ml c. 0.39 grams and 39.8 ml d. 0.25 grams and 40.1 ml The cookbook states 700 grams of flour, but the cook only has 325. The first step is to determine the percentage of flour he has: 325 × 100 = 46.4% 700

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