ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7MathematicsMedium

A patient's blood glucose level was 180 mg/dL. After administering insulin, the level dropped by 25% after 1 hour. What is the patient's blood glucose level after 1 hour, rounded to the nearest whole number?

  1. A120 mg/dL
  2. B150 mg/dL
  3. C135 mg/dL
  4. D145 mg/dL
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. 135 mg/dL

To find the new level, first calculate the amount of decrease: 25% of 180 mg/dL = 0.25 * 180 = 45 mg/dL. Then, subtract this decrease from the initial level: 180 mg/dL - 45 mg/dL = 135 mg/dL. Alternatively, if a value decreases by 25%, it retains 100% - 25% = 75% of its original value. So, 0.75 * 180 = 135 mg/dL.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This answer suggests a larger decrease than 25%, possibly 33% or miscalculation.
  • B. This answer suggests a 16.6% decrease, not 25%.
  • D. This answer might be a result of a small calculation error or rounding during intermediate steps.

Percentage Decrease Calculation

Calculating the new value of a quantity after it has been reduced by a specific percentage.

  • Calculate the amount of decrease: Percentage * Original Value.
  • Subtract the decrease from the original value: Original - Decrease.
  • Alternatively, multiply Original Value by (1 - Percentage as decimal).

Memory trick: Find the percent of the whole, then subtract it from the whole goal.

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