Find the value of 262144 - 4096.

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The question requires the subtraction of 4096 from 262144.
Aligning the numbers by place value and performing column-by-column subtraction with borrowing yields the correct result.
The calculation is: 262144 - 4096 = 258048.

Option A: This value is incorrect. It is exactly half of the correct answer (258048 / 2 = 129024). This might result from a systematic error in calculation.
Option B: This value is mathematically incorrect and does not result from the given subtraction. It likely stems from significant place value errors during the calculation.
Option C: This value is incorrect. It represents one-quarter of the correct answer (258048 / 4 = 64512). This is a common distractor type testing for calculation accuracy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Basic Arithmetic: Subtraction as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general mathematics question, strong arithmetic skills are non-negotiable in nursing.
Nurses perform calculations daily for medication dosages, IV fluid rates, and intake/output monitoring, where a simple math error can lead to significant patient harm.
What if? - If a nurse miscalculated a medication dose by a similar margin, it could result in a severe adverse drug event. For example, administering 4096 units of a drug instead of 258 units could be fatal. This highlights the critical need for accuracy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the mathematical operation required, which is subtraction (-).
Write down the larger number (262144) and place the smaller number (4096) below it, ensuring the digits are aligned correctly according to their place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.).
Begin subtracting from the rightmost column (the ones place).
If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in any column, 'borrow' 1 from the digit to its immediate left, which reduces that digit by 1 and adds 10 to the current digit.
Continue this process for each column, moving from right to left.
The final number obtained after subtracting all columns is the answer. Double-check your calculation to avoid errors.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

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