The term 'percent' means 'out of 100'. Therefore, 10% can be expressed as the fraction 10/100 or the decimal 0.10.
To find 10% of 255, you multiply 255 by the decimal equivalent of 10%.
Calculation: 255 × 0.10 = 25.5.
A useful shortcut for finding 10% of any number is to simply move the decimal point one place to the left (e.g., 255.0 becomes 25.5).
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: This value represents 0.1% of 255, not 10%. It is incorrect by a factor of 100.
Option B: This value represents 1% of 255, not 10%. It is incorrect by a factor of 10.
Option D: This is an incorrect calculation. While close to the correct answer, the '.0' suggests a miscalculation or rounding error rather than a systematic mistake in understanding percentages.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculating Percentage of a Number as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Basic math skills, including calculating percentages, are fundamental for safe nursing practice.
This skill is critical for medication dosage calculations, titrating IV drips, interpreting lab value changes, and assessing nutritional intake.
For example, if a medication dose needs to be reduced by 10%, a nurse must accurately calculate the new dose to prevent medication errors.
How to Approach the Question
Identify the core task: The question asks for a specific percentage (10%) of a given number (255).
Convert the percentage to a more usable form, either a decimal (10% = 0.10) or a fraction (10% = 10/100).
Perform the multiplication: Multiply the number (255) by the decimal (0.10) or the fraction (10/100).
Alternatively, use the shortcut for 10%: Move the decimal point of the number one place to the left (255.0 -> 25.5).
Compare your calculated result (25.5) with the given options to find the correct match.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Calculating Percentage of a Number
Stem keywords: 10%, 255
Lead-in keywords: is
Question ID
QBvOIdezVrgq1BfEkKziH-
Practise the full JIPMER Nursing Officer - 2020
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.