What is 1/3 of 3/5?

Appeared in: BHU NO-2019

Explanation

The question asks to calculate '1/3 of 3/5', which translates to the multiplication of the two fractions: (1/3) × (3/5).
Multiplying the numerators (1 × 3 = 3) and the denominators (3 × 5 = 15) gives the fraction 3/15.
Simplifying the fraction 3/15 by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, 3, results in 1/5.
Converting the simplified fraction 1/5 to a decimal by dividing 1 by 5 gives 0.2.

Option A: This is the decimal equivalent of 3/10. This value might be obtained through an incorrect calculation or simplification.
Option B: This is the decimal equivalent of 2/5 or 4/10. It does not result from the multiplication of 1/3 and 3/5.
Option D: This is the decimal equivalent of 1/10. This is an incorrect calculation, possibly from an error in multiplication or simplification.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fraction Multiplication and Conversion to Decimal as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate calculation of fractions and decimals is a fundamental skill in nursing, essential for safe medication administration.
Dosage calculations often involve fractions, such as when administering a portion of a tablet or calculating infusion rates based on fractional hours.
What if? If a nurse needed to give 3/5 of a 10 mg tablet, they would need to calculate (3/5) × 10 = 6 mg. Miscalculating as 0.3 (3/10) would lead to underdosing (3 mg), while miscalculating as 0.4 (2/5) would also be incorrect (4 mg), both compromising patient care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the mathematical operation required. The word 'of' in the context of fractions indicates multiplication.
Set up the problem: (1/3) × (3/5).
Multiply the numerators (top numbers) together and the denominators (bottom numbers) together.
Simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms by finding the greatest common divisor.
Finally, convert the simplified fraction to a decimal to match the format of the answer options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full BHU NO-2019

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