MEASURING LENGTH: THE METRIC SYSTEM

Question

For each kilogram of a person's weight, 2.5 milligrams of a drug is to be given. What dosage should be given to a child who weighs 71 pounds? Use the fact that 1 lb= 0.45 kg.  (Round to the nearest whole number as needed.)

 

PLEASE SHOW WORK/EXPLAIN AND GIVE ANSWER

 

Answer 1

I suggest first converting pounds to kg, and then working a proportion in kg.

 

71 pounds = (0.45 kg/lb)(71 lbs) = 31.95 kg

 

Now set up and solve a proportion.

 

x = dosage required

 

(2.5 mg) / (1 kg) = x / (31.95 kg)

 

x = (31.95)(2.5) mg = 79.875 mg