1 Basic Math Skills

Introduction
E ach area of healthcare practice has requirements and expected competencies.
This chapter is designed to assist you in
• Assessing basic math knowledge, values, and skills by working with various
systems of measurement.
• Developing proficient aptitudes in basic math.
• Evaluating the application of basic math calculations.
Here are some general tips on technique and methodology:
• Try to solve the equations in this text without the use of a calculator and feel
free to use scratch paper.
• Always reduce fractions to the lowest terms.

4
EXAMPLE: /8 = 1/2
• Solve all answers containing decimals to three places and round to two
places.

EXAMPLE: 18.737 = 18.74

• As of January 2004, the Joint Commission determined there will no longer be
trailing zeros after a decimal point.

EXAMPLE: 17.0 is to be written as 17.

• In addition, the Joint Commission requires a zero before a decimal point.

EXAMPLE: .75 is to be written as 0.75.

Now take the following pretest. At the end of the test, score the correct responses
using the answer guide provided at the end of the chapter. Add up the number
of correct responses and multiply by 2. If your score is 90% or higher, you may
choose to skip the review that follows in this chapter. If your score is less than
90%, please continue with the following math skills refresher.

Pretest
T he following math problems are intended to assist you in assessing basic math
skills and in refreshing your techniques in solving math equations.

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 2 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

Directions:
• Answer the following problems by filling in the missing information in the blanks.
• Use the space at the left of the page for scratch work.
• Remember to show all work and to proof all answers.
• The answers are at the end of this chapter.

1. 1 minim = drop
2. 1 milliliter = drops
3. 1 tablespoon = fluidrams
4. 30 milliliters = fluidounce
5. 6 ounces = milliliters
6. 1 pint = milliliters
7. 1 liter = quart
1
8. grain /120 = milligrams
9. 0.4 milligrams = grain
10. grain 1/60 = milligram
11. 1 grain = milligrams
12. 15 grains = gram
13. 8 drams = grams
14. 454 grams = pound
15. 2.2 pounds = kilogram
Answer the following in decimal form. Remember to show all work and to proof
all answers.
1
16. /4 =
1
17. /2 =
18. 0.5 + 3.25 =
19. 11.25 – 7.75 =
20. 6.5 × 2.4 =
21. 45.5 ÷ 5 =
1
22. /8 =
1
23. /5 =
Solve the following equations and reduce to the lowest form. Remember to show
all work and to proof all answers.
24. 20 5/10 =
12
25. /20 =
15
26. /90 =
1
27. /5 + 3/5 =
1
28. /6 + 9/6 =
9
29. /6 =
25
30. /7 =
4
31. /5 + 5/9 =
1
32. /3 + 5/6 =
4
33. /9 – 3/9 =
1
34. /4 × 5/6 =
9
35. /81 =

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 Review of Systems of Measurement 3

Convert the following numbers to Roman numerals. Remember to show all work
and to proof all answers.
36. 170 =
37. 650 =
38. 35.5 =
39. 67 =
40. 23 =
41. 7.5 =
42. 1943 =
Solve the following equations. Reduce to the lowest form when necessary.
Remember to show all work and to proof all answers.
43. 25% of 800 =
44. 60% of 720 =
45. 10 is what percentage (%) of 200?
46. 375 is what percentage (%) of 1500?
1
47. /2 + 1/3 =
7
48. /8 + 5/16 =
5
49. /9 – 2/18 =
7
50. /8 × 1/2 =

Review of The Metric System

Systems of For healthcare professionals today, the metric system is the primary method for
determining correct dosages for medication administration. The metric system
Measurement utilizes decimals, which translate into powers of tens. To increase a number,
move the decimal to the right.

EXAMPLE: To increase 10 (10.0) to 100, move the decimal one place to the right.
To decrease a number, move the decimal to the left.

EXAMPLE: To decrease 100 to 10, move the decimal one place to the left (10.0).
Three common types of metric measurement are used in health care today:
1. Length, measured in meters
2. Volume, measured in liters
3. Weight, measured in grams
The basic units in the metric system have to be memorized and remembered for
them to become familiar values.

M edication Administration Tip

The proper administration of medication depends on the nurse’s ability to com-

pute medication doses accurately and to measure medications correctly (Potter
& Perry, 2005, p. 834).

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 4 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

Basic Units
In the metric system, the basic unit is incorporated into the title of every unit of
measurement. All measurements of length contain the title meter, all measure-
ments of volume contain the title liter, and all measurements of weight contain
the title gram. The degree of length, volume, and weight is determined by the
prefi x attached to the unit title.

EXAMPLES: Kilo, denoting a large unit of measurement, may be placed before the title gram.
When kilo (or its abbreviation k) precedes the basic unit, the basic unit is multi-
plied by 1000. A kilogram equals 1000 grams and is abbreviated kg.
Deci, centi, and milli denote smaller units of measurement. A meter is equal to 10
decimeters (dm), 100 centimeters (cm), and 1000 millimeters (mm).
Micro is another smaller unit of measurement. A milligram (mg) equals 1000
micrograms (mcg or μg).

Abbreviations to Remember When Using the Metric System

Here are some volume and weight abbreviations to remember when using the
metric system:
kg = kilogram mg = milligram mcg or μg = microgram
g = gram L = liter ml = milliliter
cc = cubic centimeter

The Meter: Measurement of Length

The basic unit of measurement for length is the meter. It is equivalent to approx-
imately 39.37 inches and is abbreviated as m or sometimes M. Nurses and
healthcare professionals measure many physical findings for clients in meters,
such as wounds, lacerations, incisions, drainage from dressings, moles, scars,
and growths. Review the following units of measurement and corresponding
abbreviations:
millimeter = mm = 0.001 m
centimeter = cm = 0.01 m
decimeter = dm = 0.1 m
kilometer = km = 1000 m
When converting from a smaller unit of length to a larger unit of length, move the
decimal point to the left.

EXAMPLE: To reduce 1000 millimeters to decimeters, fi rst count the number of spaces to
move the decimal point. For this number, it is 2. Then move the decimal point to
the left: 1000 millimeters = 10 decimeters.
When converting from a larger unit of length to a smaller unit of length, move the
decimal point to the right.

EXAMPLE: To change 50 decimeters to centimeters, fi rst count the number of spaces to move
the decimal point. For this number, it is 1. Then move the decimal point to the
right: 50 decimeters = 500 centimeters.

The Liter: Measurement of Volume

The basic unit of measurement for volume is the liter, abbreviated as l or L. A liter
contains 10 deciliters, or 100 centiliters, or 1000 milliliters. The milliliter (ml) is
equivalent to the cubic centimeter (cc), although ml is the preferred abbreviation.

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 Review of Systems of Measurement 5

Whether converting from a larger unit of volume to a smaller unit or from a

smaller unit of volume to a larger unit, the system for moving the decimal point
is the same as for length.

EXAMPLES: 1010 milliliters = 1.01 liters

5.5 liters = 5500 milliliters

The Gram: Measurement of Weight

The basic unit of weight measurement is the gram, abbreviated as g, gm, or G.
One gram is equal to
• 10 decigrams (dg).
• 100 centigrams (cg).
• or 1000 milligrams (mg).
A kilogram contains 1000 grams and is equal to 2.2 pounds. (A pound is equal to
454 grams.)
When converting from a larger unit of weight to a smaller unit, or from a
smaller unit of weight to a larger unit, the system for moving the decimal point is
the same as in other systems.

EXAMPLES: 8.8 pounds = 4 kilograms

1000 milligrams = 10 decigrams

Metric System Practice Questions

Fill in the missing information. Remember to show all work and to proof all
answers.
1. 1 gram = mg
2. 1 kilogram = grams
3. 1000 ml = L
4. 4000 milligrams = grams
5. 0.6 grams = milligrams
6. 275 ml = L
7. 60 kilograms = grams
8. 250 ml = L
9. 3.5 L = ml
10. 500 milligrams = gram

The Apothecary System

The apothecary system of measurement is one of the oldest units of measure-
ment for mediation administration and is still widely used for prescribing medica-
tion. When documenting in the apothecary system, the symbol stands before the
quantity and the quantity is written in Roman numerals. For example, a typical
order for aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is written “ASA grain x.” If the quan-
tity is large or is to be written out, then writing the Arabic numeral before the unit
symbol is acceptable, such as 10 grains.

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 6 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

M edication Administration Tip

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, ASA) is an anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, anti-

pyretic, nonopiod analgesic used in the treatment of mild pain or fever.

When a medication displays the drug dosage on the label as apothecary, the met-
ric equivalent is usually included. Two types of apothecary measurement are
commonly used in health care today: weight and volume. The healthcare pro-
vider must have a working knowledge of these measurements.

M edication Administration Tip

The nurse is the most appropriate healthcare worker to administer medications.

The administration of medications to clients requires knowledge and a set of
skills that are unique to nurses (Potter & Perry, 2005, p. 840).

Basic Units
The apothecary system’s basic units of measurement are
• grain, abbreviated as gr, or dram, abbreviated as dr or , for weight.
• minim, abbreviated as m or min or , or drop, abbreviated as gtt, or fluidram,
abbreviated as fl dr, for volume.
• ounce, abbreviated as oz or , or fluidounce, also for volume.

Abbreviations to Remember When Using the Metric System

Here are some common abbreviations to remember when using the apothecary
system:
gr = grain m or min or = minim
dr or = dram oz or = ounce

Concepts to Remember with the Apothecary System

• The symbol of the unit of measurement usually is written before the quantity.

EXAMPLE: gr xv
• Fractions are often used when the number or dosage is less than 1.
• Lowercase Roman numerals are typically used when the number or dosage is
greater than 1.

The Grain: Unit of Weight

The basic unit of measurement for weight is the grain, which is the equivalent of
1 grain of wheat. Abbreviated as gr, it is the same as 60 milligrams. Medications
such as phenobarbital and aspirin are occasionally ordered in grains and supplied
in milligrams. The nurse dispensing these medications is required to mathemati-
cally convert the prescription to ensure that the correct dosage is administered.

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 Review of Systems of Measurement 7

M edication Administration Tip

Mathematical conversion within one system requires knowledge of the units of

measurement and basic math skills (Potter & Perry, 2005, p. 835).

M edication Administration Tip

Phenobarbital (Luminal) is an anticonvulsant, sedative-hypnotic used in the

treatment of seizures.

The Minim, Dram, and Ounce: Units of Volume

The basic units of measurement for volume are the minim (m or min or ), dram
(dr or ), and ounce (oz or ).
• A minim is the equivalent of a drop of fluid.
• A dram is the equivalent of 4 milliliters.
• An ounce is the same as 30 milliliters.
Clients who are unable to swallow pills or tablets frequently take liquid medica-
tions. The amounts are usually small, and careful measurement is necessary to
ensure accurate dosing.

M edication Administration Tip

Some forms of medications include elixirs, lozenges, suppositories, suspensions,

lotions, ointments, syrups, tinctures, and transdermal patches (Potter & Perry,
2005, p. 824).

Apothecary System Practice Questions

Fill in the missing information. Remember to show all work and to proof all
answers.
1. 60 minims = fluidrams
2. 1 fluidounce = fluidrams
3. 16 ounces = pints
4. 32 ounces = quarts
5. 5 pints = ounces
6. 2 quarts = ounces
7. 1 minim = drop
8. 1 dram = grains
9. 2 ounces = drams
10. 1 quart = pints

The Household System

The household system of measurement has been used by healthcare profession-
als and the public for many years. It was developed to coincide with the many
objects of measurement found in typical households: cups, bowls, spoons, and

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 8 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

eyedroppers (see Figure 1–1). Over-the-counter remedies often come with plastic
ounce cups and droppers for easy use by the general public. The application of
this system of measurement has increased in importance as client care centers
more and more around the home.

FIGURE 1-1 Common

household items of
measurement.
Source: (clockwise starting at
top right) © angelo gilardelli/
Shutterstock, Inc.; © ilker canikligil/
Shutterstock, Inc.; © pandapaw/
Shutterstock, Inc.; © Robert O. Brown
Photography/Shutterstock, Inc.

Basic Units
The basic units of measurement for the household system are the drop, teaspoon,
tablespoon, measuring cup, pint, and quart. They are abbreviated as follows:
• drop = gtt
• teaspoon = tsp
• tablespoon = tbs
• cup = c
• pint = pt
• quart = qt
There is some disagreement among healthcare educators over how the apoth-
ecary and metric measurements convert to the household measurements. The
approximate equivalents of household measures, metric measures, and apothe-
cary measures are as follows:

Household Metric Apothecary

60 drops (gtts) 5 ml 1 teaspoon (tsp)
1 teaspoon (tsp) 5 ml 1 fluidram (fl dr)
1
3 teaspoons 15 ml /2 ounce (oz or )
1 tablespoon (tbs) 15 ml 4 fluidrams
2 tablespoons 30 ml 1 ounce
1 cup (c) 240 ml 8 ounces
1 pint (pt) 500 ml 16 ounces
1 quart (qt) 1000 ml 32 ounces

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 Review of Systems of Measurement 9

Household System Practice Questions

Fill in the missing information. Remember to show all work and to proof all
answers.
1. 3 tsp = tbs
2. 2 tbs = ounces
3. 4 measuring cups = quarts
4. 1 pint = measuring cups
5. 4 quarts = gallons
6. 60 drops = teaspoons
7. 1 quart = pints
8. 3 tbs = tsp
9. 5 oz = tbs
10. 2 teaspoons = drops

Roman Numerals
Roman numerals are used in conjunction with the apothecary system of measure-
ment. If the measurement includes a fraction, Arabic numerals are used for the
fraction, with the exception of ss, which stands for 1/2. Remember, in the apothe-
cary system of measurement, the unit symbol precedes the Roman numeral.
Table 1-1 shows Roman and Arabic numeral equivalents.

TABLE 1-1 Roman and Arabic Numeral Equivalents

Roman Numerals Arabic Numerals Roman Numerals Arabic Numerals

I 1 XVII 17
II 2 XVIII 18
III 3 XIX 19
IV 4 XX 20
V 5 XXX 30
VI 6 XL 40
VII 7 L 50
VIII 8 LX 60
IX 9 LXX 70
X 10 LXXX 80
XI 11 XC 90
XII 12 C 100
XIII 13 D 500
XIV 14 M 1000
1
XV 15 ss /2
XVI 16

Roman and Arabic Numerals Practice Questions

Fill in the corresponding Arabic numeral. Remember to proof all answers.
1. XXIII =
2. MCMVII =
3. DCXV =

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 10 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

4. XIV =
5. CLXIX =
6. VIIss =
7. CDLXIII =
8. XXV =
9. IX =
10. XVI =

Percentages and Fractions

Percentages are very important in the field of health care. Many external medica-
tions, as well as intravenous medications and solutions, are written as percent-
ages to express their strength. When working with percentages, remember that
they reflect a portion of the whole, as compared to the whole, and that the whole
is always based on 100. In other words, a percentage is a portion of 100. The
percentage symbol (%) designates the measurement as a percentage. Percentages
can be written as
• Whole numbers, such as 75%.
• Fractions, such as ¾%.
• Decimal numbers, such as 75.75%.
• Mixed numbers, such as 75¾%.

Changing Percentages into Fractions and Fractions into Percentages

To change a percentage into a fraction:
1. Drop the % symbol.
2. Divide the percentage number by 100.
3. Reduce the new fraction to its lowest terms.
4. If required, change the results to a mixed number.

EXAMPLE: Convert 50% to a fraction.

1. Drop the % symbol: 50.
2. Divide the percentage number by 100: 50 ÷ 100 = 1/2.
3. Reduce the new fraction to its lowest terms: 1/2.
4. If required, change the results to a mixed number.

EXAMPLE: Convert 150% to a fraction.

1. Drop the % symbol: 150.
2. Divide the percentage number by 100: 150  100  3/2.
3. Reduce the new fraction to its lowest terms: 3/2.
4. If required, change the results to a mixed number: 11/2.

To change a fraction into a percentage:

1. Multiply the fraction by 100.
2. Reduce the new fraction to its lowest terms.
3. Change improper fractions to a mixed number.
4. Add the % symbol.

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 Review of Systems of Measurement 11

EXAMPLE: Convert ¾ to a percentage.

1. Multiply the fraction by 100: ¾ × 100 = 300/4.
2. Reduce the new fraction to its lowest terms: 300/4 = 75.
3. Change improper fractions to a mixed number: 75.
4. Add the % symbol: 75%.

EXAMPLE: Convert 7¾ to a percentage.

1. Multiply the fraction by 100: 7¾ × 100 = 31/4 × 100 = 3100/4.
2. Reduce the new fraction to its lowest terms: 3100/4 = 775.
3. Change improper fractions to a mixed number: 775.
4. Add the % symbol: 775%.

Percentages and Fractions Practice Questions

Fill in the missing information. Remember to show all work and to proof all
answers.
1
1. /2 = %
1
2. /4 = %
3. 12.5% = (express as a fraction)
4. 56% = (express as a fraction)
5. 33% = (express as a fraction)
4
6. /80 = %
25
7. /75 = %
5
8. /10 = %
9. 16.6% = (express as a fraction)
10. 40% = (express as a fraction)

Conversion Within a System and Between Systems

Very often, when administering medications, the nurse or healthcare provider
must successfully convert measurements within a system and between systems.
To be accurate, the nurse or healthcare provider must memorize certain sys-
tem equivalents. Table 1-2 lists equivalents between the metric, apothecary, and
household systems. Remember that these are comparable values and not always
exactly equal. Some calculations need to be rounded to accommodate medication
dosages.

TABLE 1-2 System Equivalents

Metric Apothecary Household

—* 1 minim 1 drop (gtt)
†
1 milliliter (0.001 liter) 15–16 minims —
5 milliliters 1 fluidram (60 minims) 60 drops (1 teaspoon)
15 milliliters 4 fluidrams 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)
30 milliliters 1 fluidounce (8 fluidrams) 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons)
(Continued)

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 12 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

TABLE 1-2 Continued

Metric Apothecary Household

240 milliliters 8 ounces 1 measuring cup
500 milliliters 16 ounces 1 pint
1000 milliliters (1 liter) 32 ounces 1 quart
1000 milligrams (1 gram) grain XV —
500 milligrams (0.5 gram) —
grain VIIss —
60 milligrams grain I —
6 milligrams grain 1/10 —
1
1 milligram grain /60 —
1
0.2 milligram grain /300 —
0.4 milligram grain 1/150 —
30 grams 8 drams 1 ounce
454 grams — 1 pound
1 kilogram — 2.2 pounds
*No equivalent unit in the system.
†
1 milliliter (ml) = 1 cubic centimeter (cc).

Working with Decimals and Fractions

Being able to work with decimals and fractions is an important ability in accu-
rately completing mathematical calculations. Certain rules can help you safely
administer client medications:

• When going from a smaller number to a larger number, move the decimal
point to the right.

EXAMPLE: 7.45 → 74.5

• When going from a larger number to a smaller number, move the decimal
point to the left.

EXAMPLE: 923 → 9.23

• When changing decimals to fractions, the number of whole digits to the right
of the decimal point, which become the numerator (the top number), is equal
to the number of zeros in the denominator (the bottom number).

EXAMPLE: 0.421 → 421/1000

• When changing fractions to decimals, divide the numerator by the denomina-

tor and place the decimal point where indicated.

EXAMPLE: 5
/8 → 0.625

Working with Decimals and Fractions Practice Questions

Fill in the missing information. Remember to show all work and to proof all
answers.
1. 250 milligrams = grams
2. 600 ml = L

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 Posttest 13

3. 0.5 g = mg
4. 0.75 L = ml
5. 1825 milligrams = grams
6. 3000 milliliters = liters
7. 4.5 g = mg
8. 5.2 L = ml
9. 0.1 g = mg
10. 50 ml = L
Change the following to fractions. Reduce the answers to the lowest terms as nec-
essary. Remember to show all work and to proof all answers.
11. 0.25 =
12. 1.45 =
13. 0.5 =
14. 0.8 =
15. 5.6 =
Change the following to decimals. Remember to show all work and to proof all
answers.
1
16. /2 =
2
17. /3 =
10
18. /1000 =
4
19. /5 =
1
20. /8 =

POSTTEST
Remember to show all work and to proof all answers.
1. 1000 milligrams = grams
2. 60 milligrams = grain
3. 1 kg = lb
4. 500 ml = L
5. 1 tbs = tsp
6. MCL = (express in Arabic numerals)
7. 16 ounces = measuring cups
8. 15 milligrams = grain
9. 2.5 g = mg
10. 16 drops = minims
11. 10 kilograms = grams
12. 4.6 L = ml
13. 4 ounces = drams
14. 1 quart = ounces
15. 1 ounce = tablespoons
4
16. /5 = %
5
17. /10 = %
18. 120 milligrams = grains

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 14 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

19. 0.5 g = mg
20. 2.2 lb = kg
21. 36.5 = (express as Roman numerals)
22. 1455 = (express as Roman numerals)
23. 123 = (express as Roman numerals)
24. DCL = (express Arabic numerals)
25. —=
XIXss (express as Arabic numerals)

Answers Answers to Pretest

1. 1 drop 24. 20 1/2
3
2. 15–16 drops 25. /5 (6/10 = 3/5)
1
3. 4 fluidrams 26. /6
4
4. 1 fluidounce 27. /5
5. 180 milliliters (1 ounce = 30 mil- 28. 12/3 ( 10/6 = 14/6 = 12/3)
liliters; 6 ounces × 30 milliliters) 29. 11/2 ( 9/6 = 13/6 = 11/2)
6. 500 milliliters 30. 34/7 ( 25/7 = 34/7)
7. 1 quart 31. 111/45 ( 56/45 = 111/45)
8. 0.5 milligrams (60 milligrams = 32. 11/6 ( 7/6 = 11/6)
1 grain) 1
33. /9
9. grain 1/150 5
34. /24
10. 1 milligram 1
35. /9
11. 60–65 milligrams
36. CLXX
12. 1 gram (60 milligrams = 1 grain;
37. DCL
1000 milligrams = 1 gram; 60 —
milligrams × 15 grains ÷ 1000 38. XXXVss
milligrams) 39. LXVII
13. 30 grams 40. XXIII
14. 1 pound 41. VIIss—
15. 1 kilogram 42. MCMXLIII
16. 0.25 (1 ÷ 4) 43. 200 (25% = 0.25 × 800 = 200)
17. 0.50 44. 432 (60% = 0.60 × 720 = 432)
18. 3.75 45. 5% (10 ÷ 200 = 0.05 = 5%)
19. 3.50 46. 25% (375 ÷ 1500 = 0.25 = 25%)
5
20. 15.60 47. /6
21. 9.1 48. 13/16
4
22. 0.125 49. /9
7
23. 0.2 50. /16

Answers to Metric System Practice Questions

1. 1000 mg 6. 0.275 L (1000 ml = 1 L)
2. 1000 grams 7. 60,000 grams
3. 1L 8. 0.25 L (1000 ml = 1 L)
4. 4 grams (1000 milligrams = 1 gram, 9. 3500 ml
and 4 × 1000 = 4 grams) 10. 0.5 gram (1000 milligrams =
5. 600 milligrams 1 gram)

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 Answers 15

Answers to Apothecary System Practice Questions

1. 1 fluidram 6. 64 ounces (1 quart = 32 ounces)
2. 8 fluidrams 7. 1 drop
3. 1 pint 8. 60 grains
4. 1 quart 9. 16 drams
5. 80 ounces (1 pint = 16 ounces) 10. 2 pints

Answers to Household Measurement Practice Questions

1. 1 tbs 6. 1 teaspoon
2. 1 ounce 7. 2 pints
3. 1 quart 8. 9 tsp
4. 2 measuring cups (1 ounce = 9. 10 tbs
30 milliliters) 10. 120 drops
5. 1 gallon

Answers to Roman and Arabic Numerals Practice Questions

1. 23 6. 7.5 (71/2)
2. 1907 7. 463
3. 615 8. 25
4. 14 9. 9
5. 169 10. 16

Answers to Percentages and Fractions Practice Questions

1. 50% (1/2 = 0.5 = 50%) 6. 5% (4/80 = 5%)
2. 25% (1/4 = 0.25 = 25%) 7. 33% (25/75 = 1/3 = 33/100 = 33%)
1
3. /8 (12.5 ÷ 100 = 1/8) 8. 50% (5/10 = 1/2 = 50%)
14
4. /25 (56 ÷ 100 = 14/25) 9. 1
/6 (16.6/100 = 1/6)
1
5. /3 (33/100 = 1/3) 10. 2
/5 (40/100 = 2/5)

Answers to Working with Decimals and Fractions

Practice Questions
25
1. 0.25 gram 11. /100 = 1/4
2. 0.6 L 12. 145/100 = 19/20
5
3. 500 mg 13. /10 = 1/2
8
4. 750 ml 14. /10 = 4/5
5. 1.825 gram 15. 560/100 = 53/5
6. 3 liters 16. 0.5 (1 ÷ 2)
7. 4500 mg 17. 0.66
8. 5200 ml 18. 0.01
9. 100 mg 19. 0.8
10. 0.05 L 20. 0.125

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DIDONA_CH01.indd 15 2/13/2009 8:29:05 PM

 16 Chapter 1 ■ Basic Math Skills

Answers to Posttest
1. 1 gram 14. 32 ounces
2. 1 grain 15. 2 tablespoons
3. 2.2 lb 16. 80%
4. 0.5 L 17. 50%
5. 3 tsp 18. 2 grains
6. 1150 19. 500 mg
7. 2 measuring cups 20. 1 kg
8. 1
/4 grain 21. XXXVIss—
9. 2500 mg 22. MCDLV
10. 16 minims 23. CXXIII
11. 10,000 grams 24. 650
12. 4600 ml 25. 19.5
13. 32 drams

Reference Potter, A.P., & Perry, A.G. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

© Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC. NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.

DIDONA_CH01.indd 16 2/13/2009 8:29:05 PM