Problem 61 - Calculate With Confidence

Question

In a 24-hour period, a premature infant drank 5.5 milliliters (mL), 15 mL, 5.25 mL, 15 mL, 6 mL, and 12.5 mL. How many mL did the infant drink in 24 hours? ___________________________

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

59.25 mL

Step 1: List the Quantities

First, identify all the quantities the infant drank in 24 hours. These values are: 5.5 mL, 15 mL, 5.25 mL, 15 mL, 6 mL, and 12.5 mL.

Step 2: Set Up the Addition Equation

We need to add all the amounts together. So we have:\[5.5 + 15 + 5.25 + 15 + 6 + 12.5\]

Step 3: Perform the Addition

First, add 5.5 and 15 to get 20.5. Then, add 20.5 and 5.25 to get 25.75. Next, add 25.75 and 15 to get 40.75. Now, add 40.75 and 6 to get 46.75. Finally, add 46.75 and 12.5 to find the total.

Step 4: Calculate the Final Total

To complete the addition, add 46.75 and 12.5.\[46.75 + 12.5 = 59.25\]Thus, the infant consumed a total of 59.25 mL in 24 hours.

Key Concepts

Understanding Addition

Addition is one of the most fundamental operations in basic arithmetic. It's all about combining different numbers to find their total. In the context of the exercise, you are asked to find out how much liquid the infant drank over a 24-hour period.

This involves adding several different amounts (5.5 mL, 15 mL, etc.) together. Understanding addition means knowing a few key points:

• Addition is commutative, meaning you can add numbers in any order and get the same result. For example, 5 + 10 is the same as 10 + 5.
• When you add zeros, the sum remains unchanged. For instance, 5 + 0 = 5.
• Addition helps in calculating total amounts, which is crucial in many everyday activities.

In this exercise, each milliliter that the infant drank is added up using these principles. Adding step by step ensures that you reach the correct total at the end. It's a simple concept but vital for accurate calculations in many fields, including healthcare.

Step-by-Step Problem Solving

Step-by-step problem solving is a logical approach to tackling mathematical problems. It involves breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable steps, just like in our exercise. This method makes complex problems simpler and helps prevent mistakes.

Here's why the step-by-step process is effective:

• Each step builds upon the previous one, ensuring a logical flow.
• It encourages thorough understanding by focusing on one part at a time.
• Allows for easy error-checking, since mistakes can be isolated to a single step.

In our exercise, the steps began by listing each quantity. Next, an equation was set up to organize the numbers for addition. Then, the addition proceeds incrementally, leading us to the final total. This organized approach is highly beneficial in mathematics, as it simplifies complex calculations like the total volume of liquid consumed by the infant.

Mathematics in Healthcare

Mathematics is an essential tool in healthcare, particularly in situations where precise calculations are necessary. In medical settings, accuracy can have significant impacts on outcomes.

Here's how math, especially basic arithmetic like addition, is utilized:

• Calculating dosages of medications to ensure patients receive the right amount. Too little or too much can be harmful.
• Monitoring fluid intake, as in the case of the premature infant from our problem, to maintain proper hydration and nutrient levels.
• Interpreting test results that rely on numerical data for diagnosis and treatment plans.

In the case of our exercise, calculating the total milliliters consumed by the infant is necessary to track their nutritional intake. Healthcare professionals rely on math every day for quality patient care, making it an indispensable skill in the medical field.