Pharmacy Technician Basic Math Skills for Pharmacy Calculations - Fractions, Decimals, Percentages
Summary
This video provides a foundational understanding of essential math skills required for pharmacy technicians, focusing on fractions, decimals, and percentages. It explains the definitions, components, and conversion methods between these number systems, including practical examples relevant to pharmacy calculations like drug strengths and conversions. The content aims to equip viewers with the basic mathematical literacy needed to perform pharmacy-related computations accurately.
Key Insights
Whole numbers can be written as fractions by placing them over one.
To write a whole number as a fraction, simply put it over one. For example, the number four written as a fraction is 4/1, because 4 divided by 1 is 4. This is important for pharmacy conversion calculations.
Converting a decimal to a percentage involves moving the decimal point two places to the right and adding a percent sign.
To convert a decimal to a percentage, move the decimal point two places to the right and add a percent symbol. This is equivalent to multiplying the decimal by 100. For example, 0.05 becomes 5%, and 0.44 becomes 44%. The number 1 is equal to 100%.
Converting a percentage to a decimal involves removing the percent sign and moving the decimal point two places to the left.
To convert a percentage to a decimal, remove the percent symbol and move the decimal point two places to the left. This is equivalent to dividing the number by 100. For example, 99% becomes 0.99, and 30% becomes 0.30 (or 0.3). 82.5% becomes 0.825.
Sections
Introduction to Basic Math Skills
Basic math skills like fractions, decimals, and percentages are foundational for pharmacy calculations.
Basic math skills are the building blocks for solving a variety of Pharmacy calculations. This includes fractions, decimals, and percentages. These skills are essential for pharmacy technicians.
Fractions Explained
A fraction represents a part of a whole, with a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).
A fraction is a portion of a whole indicated by division of the whole into equal parts. For example, one-fourth is written as 1/4. The top number is the numerator (the portion) and the bottom number is the denominator (the whole).
Equivalent fractions represent the same value and can be obtained by multiplying or dividing both parts by the same number.
A fraction can be changed to an equivalent fraction by multiplying or dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number. For example, 2/4 is equivalent to 1/2, achieved by dividing both by 2.
A fraction with an equal numerator and denominator always equals one whole.
When a fraction has an equal numerator and denominator, such as 4/4, it always equals one. This represents the entire whole.
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than its denominator and represents a value greater than one.
When the numerator is greater than the denominator, the fraction is greater than one and is known as an improper fraction. For example, 5/4 is equal to 1 and 1/4.
The line in a fraction signifies division, meaning the numerator is divided by the denominator.
The line separating the portion and the whole of a fraction means to divide. For example, 1/4 means 1 divided by 4.
Whole numbers can be written as fractions by placing them over one.
To write a whole number as a fraction, simply put it over one. For example, the number four written as a fraction is 4/1, because 4 divided by 1 is 4. This is important for pharmacy conversion calculations.
Multiplying fractions involves multiplying numerators together and denominators together, then simplifying the result.
To multiply fractions, first multiply the numerators across, then multiply the denominators across. Finally, reduce the new fraction to its simplest form. For example, 3/4 times 2/3 = 6/12, which simplifies to 1/2.
Decimals Explained
Decimals are a base-10 system representing fractions, with whole numbers to the left and fractional parts to the right of a decimal point.
A decimal is a way of writing a fraction expressed as a base of 10. The word decimal means based on 10. On the left side of the decimal point is a whole number (ones, tens, hundreds places) and on the right side is the fraction part (tenths, hundredths, thousandths places).
Decimals are named by their final place value, indicating their fractional value.
Decimals are named by their lowest place value. For example, 0.2 is '2 tenths', 0.02 is '2 hundredths', and 0.002 is '2 thousandths'. A number like 3.125 is read as '3 and 125 thousandths'.
When adding or subtracting decimals, align the decimal points to ensure accurate calculation.
When adding and subtracting decimals, ensure the decimal points are lined up. Zeros can be added to the end of a decimal without changing its value to facilitate alignment.
Converting a decimal to a fraction involves writing the decimal as its named fractional part and simplifying.
To convert a decimal to a fraction, write the decimal based on its named place value. For example, 0.1 is '1 tenth', which is 1/10. 0.35 is '35 hundredths', which is 35/100, simplifying to 7/20.
Percentages Explained
A percentage represents a number out of 100, with the percent sign (%) indicating 'per hundred'.
A percentage is a number expressed as a fraction of 100. The word 'percent' means per 100. 100 percent equals the full amount or the whole.
Converting a decimal to a percentage involves moving the decimal point two places to the right and adding a percent sign.
To convert a decimal to a percentage, move the decimal point two places to the right and add a percent symbol. This is equivalent to multiplying the decimal by 100. For example, 0.05 becomes 5%, and 0.44 becomes 44%. The number 1 is equal to 100%.
Converting a percentage to a decimal involves removing the percent sign and moving the decimal point two places to the left.
To convert a percentage to a decimal, remove the percent symbol and move the decimal point two places to the left. This is equivalent to dividing the number by 100. For example, 99% becomes 0.99, and 30% becomes 0.30 (or 0.3). 82.5% becomes 0.825.
Percentages can be converted to fractions by placing the number over 100 and simplifying.
To convert a percentage to a fraction, write the percentage number over 100, then reduce the fraction to its simplest form. For example, 5% becomes 5/100, which simplifies to 1/20.
Fractions can be converted to percentages by multiplying by 100/1 and simplifying.
To convert a fraction to a percentage, multiply the fraction by 100/1 and then reduce to its simplest form, often involving division. For example, 5/8 multiplied by 100/1 is 500/8, which equals 62.5%.
Summary and Equivalents
Understanding the relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages is crucial for pharmacy calculations.
A summary of key points: A fraction is a part of a whole. Decimals are base-10 representations of fractions. Percentages mean 'per 100'. Conversions between these forms are essential. For example, 1/4 equals 0.25 equals 25%.
Common fraction-decimal-percentage equivalents are useful for quick calculations and understanding drug strengths.
Familiarity with common equivalents like 3/4 = 0.75 = 75%, 1/2 = 0.5 = 50%, 1/3 = 0.33 = 33%, 1/4 = 0.25 = 25%, and 1/8 = 0.125 = 12.5% is helpful in pharmacy settings.
Visualizing fractions aids in understanding their decimal and percentage equivalents.
A visual example of 1/4 shown as a pie chart with one of four equal parts shaded helps illustrate that it is equal to 0.25 and 25%.
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