Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 6 MAS 138 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Dimensional Analysis
The idea
Dimensional analysis is a way to solve a calculation by setting it up so that unwanted units cancel and only the answer's unit is left.
In practice
Step one: decide the goal unit, the unit your answer must be in, such as tablets or a volume. Step two: write a first fraction with the goal unit on top, taken from what is supplied, such as one tablet per a given strength. Step three: add fractions so that each unit you do not want appears once on top and once on the bottom, where it cancels. Step four: cross out the cancelled units and check that only the goal unit remains. Step five: multiply across the top, multiply across the bottom, and divide to get the answer.
Where people slip
If the units do not cancel down to the goal unit, the setup is wrong. Fix the setup before you calculate, and do not force an answer.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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