By how much is 60% of 50 greater than 55% of 55?

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

The first step is to calculate 60% of 50, which is (60/100) * 50 = 30.
The second step is to calculate 55% of 55, which is (55/100) * 55 = 30.25.
The final step is to find how much 30 is 'greater than' 30.25, which requires subtraction: 30 - 30.25 = -0.25.
A negative result indicates that the first number is actually smaller than the second number.

Option A: This value is a result of a significant miscalculation and does not represent the difference between 30 and 30.25.
Option B: This value is mathematically incorrect and does not reflect the calculated difference of -0.25.
Option C: This is an arbitrary number that does not result from the correct calculation of 30 - 30.25.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Percentage calculation and finding the difference between two values as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Basic arithmetic and percentage calculations are fundamental skills for nurses, essential for patient safety.
Nurses use percentages daily for tasks like calculating medication dosages, determining IV fluid rates, assessing burn surface area (Rule of Nines), and interpreting changes in lab values.
An error in percentage calculation can lead to serious medication errors, either underdosing or overdosing a patient.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to understand what is being asked. Here, it's the difference between two calculated values.
Break the problem into smaller parts. The first part is '60% of 50'.
Calculate the first value: Convert the percentage to a decimal (60% = 0.60) and multiply by the number (0.60 * 50 = 30).
The second part is '55% of 55'. Calculate this value: (0.55 * 55 = 30.25).
The final step is to perform the operation requested: 'by how much is [value 1] greater than [value 2]'. This translates to 'value 1 - value 2'.
Subtract the second result from the first: 30 - 30.25 = -0.25. Match this result with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Percentage calculation and finding the difference between two values.
Stem keywords: 60% of 50, 55% of 55, greater than, difference
Lead-in keywords: By how much

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Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.