The question asks for the result of the subtraction operation: 1500 - 712.
Starting from the units place, we must borrow from the hundreds place since the units and tens digits are zero.
The calculation proceeds as follows: units place (10 - 2 = 8), tens place (9 - 1 = 8), and hundreds place (14 - 7 = 7).
The final result of the subtraction is 788.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: This result is incorrect and likely stems from a calculation error, possibly in the tens or units place during subtraction.
Option B: This result is incorrect, likely due to an error in the tens place calculation after borrowing.
Option D: This result is incorrect and represents a miscalculation, possibly an error in the hundreds place.
Related Visual
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 aptitude question, strong arithmetic skills are fundamental in nursing for safe and effective patient care.
Nurses perform calculations daily for medication dosages, IV fluid rates, intake/output totals, and titrating drips. Errors can have serious consequences.
What if? If a nurse miscalculated a medication dose by a similar margin, it could lead to either under-dosing (ineffective treatment) or over-dosing (toxicity), both posing significant patient safety risks.
How to Approach the Question
First, identify the mathematical operation required, which is subtraction ('minus').
Set up the problem vertically, aligning the numbers by their place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, and units.
Begin subtracting from the rightmost column (the units place).
If the top digit in a column is smaller than the bottom digit, 'borrow' 1 from the digit in the next column to the left. This adds 10 to the current column's top digit.
Continue this process for each column from right to left.
Finally, check your result against the provided options to find the correct match.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Basic Arithmetic (Subtraction)
Stem keywords: minus, 1500, 712
Lead-in keywords: how much
Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QcSCPLwVtrsyjKtU0J4NTr
Practise the full UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.