Percentage Calculations: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

Understanding Percentages in Nursing Math

On the TEAS 7 Math section, you will frequently encounter problems requiring you to calculate a "percentage of a number." In a clinical setting, this is a foundational skill used for calculating dosages based on body weight, determining nutritional intake, and interpreting lab results or research statistics.

Step-by-Step Calculation

To find a percentage of a whole number, follow these two primary steps:

1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: To do this, drop the percent sign (%) and move the decimal point two places to the left.
   • $8% = 0.08$
2. Multiply the decimal by the total number:
   • $269 \times 0.08$

The Math:

• $269 \times 8 = 2152$
• Since $0.08$ has two decimal places, we must place the decimal point in the product so that there are two decimal places.
• $2152$ becomes $21.52$.

Why the Other Choices Are Incorrect

• Choice A (2.152): This result occurs if you incorrectly convert 8% to 0.008 (three decimal places) instead of 0.08.
• Choice C (215.20): This result occurs if you incorrectly convert 8% to 0.8 (which is actually 80%). Always double-check your decimal placement; 215 is nearly the entire group, which makes no sense for a small 8% side effect rate.
• Choice D (538.00): This result likely comes from a multiplication error or doubling the base number unnecessarily. It is physically impossible for 538 people out of a group of 269 to experience a side effect.

Critical Thinking for the TEAS

In some TEAS questions involving people, you might be asked to round to the nearest whole person. However, if the question asks for the "exact value" or provides decimal options, stick to the precise mathematical calculation. Always use estimation to check your work: 10% of 270 is 27. Since 8% is slightly less than 10%, your answer should be slightly less than 27. Choice B is the only logical fit.

Study Tip: The "Of" Rule

In word problems, the word "of" almost always translates to multiplication. When you see "8% of 269," think: $0.08 \times 269$.