Looking for Math Geniuses!

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On that TEAS test I took yesterday there were 4 math problems that were all similar that are not in the study guide and I cannot locate on any math help web-site so far. I was hoping that some braniac here could help me figure it out.

It was set up like a ratio - but yet it was different. The one I remember exactly was:

1/1000:1/50=x/6 - solve for x...maybe this is really easy and I am just reading too much into it - but it doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

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On that TEAS test I took yesterday there were 4 math problems that were all similar that are not in the study guide and I cannot locate on any math help web-site so far. I was hoping that some braniac here could help me figure it out.

It was set up like a ratio - but yet it was different. The one I remember exactly was:

1/1000:1/50=x/6 - solve for x...maybe this is really easy and I am just reading too much into it - but it doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

brainiac :rotfl: sorry I'm not one of those :chuckle

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Stdy2BaNurse:

The Pre-nursing student forum has a math help links thread.

:) Same page as your thread. Hope it helps.

A returning student,

Angels'

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I'm not really a brainiac, but I do know how to solve this:

1/1000: 1/50= X/6

First take 1/1000 and simplify (just divide 1 by 1000) and get 0.001.

Now take 1/50 and simplify to get 0.02.

You are left with the ratio 0.001 : 0.02. A ratio is the same as a fraction, so what you have here is really 0.001/0.02. Divide again to get 0.05.

Now the formula is reduced to 0.05=X/6. We want to isolate X so multiply X/6 by the denominator 6 and then multiply the left side of the equation by 6. ( 6 x 0.05 = X/6 x 6/1) 0.3=X so that's your answer!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Here is another way to do the problem without using decimals to clear the equations of fractions. Remember, order of operations and work from the left side of the equation to the right side.

1/1000:1/50 is actually a complex fraction where you have a fraction in the numerator and a fraction in the denominator. It can also be written as:

1/1000 divided by 1/50 = x/6

You must continue to simplify the left hand side of the equation before you can do anything with the right side of the equation. Next, rewrite it as 1/1000 x 50/1 (this is how you divide a fraction in the numerator by a fraction in the denominator) and set it equal to x/6. Your new equation is:

1/1000 x 50/1 = x/6

Continue simplifying the left side to get the new equavalent ratio:

50/1000 = x/5
which simplifies to
1/20 = x/6

Now, solve by cross multiplying:

20x = 6
, which simplifies to
x = 6/20
or
3/10

Since the problem was originally given with fractions, the answer should also be expressed as a fraction, rather than a decimal. Although 0.03 would also be considered a correct answer it may not have been one of your answer choices.

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i would not be exaggerating to say you both are my heros! now that you have worked it out - it doesn't seem so difficult. however, when faced with it in a test situation when i have never seen anything like that before - i freaked!

thank you sooooo much - both of you!!

:icon_hug:

let me know how if i can return the favor - i have a good ear for listening :)

traci

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