Question

An infant consumed \(55 \%\) of an 8 ounce bottle of formula. How many ounces of formula did the infant consume?

Short answer

The infant consumed 4.4 ounces of formula.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

The problem asks us to find out how much formula, in ounces, the infant consumed. We are given two key pieces of information: the total amount of formula (8 ounces) and the percentage of that formula the infant consumed (55%).

Convert Percentage to Decimal

To perform the calculation, first convert the percentage to a decimal. Percent means per hundred, so to convert 55% to a decimal, divide by 100:\[ 55\% = \frac{55}{100} = 0.55 \]

Calculate the Consumed Amount

Now, multiply the total amount of formula by the decimal to find out how much was consumed:\[ 0.55 \text{ (decimal equivalent of 55\%)} \times 8 \text{ ounces} = 4.4 \text{ ounces}\]

State the Final Answer

The infant consumed 4.4 ounces of the formula.

Key concepts

Understanding Percentage Conversion

When we talk about percentages, we express one quantity as a fraction of 100. To better understand problem-solving involving percentages, it's crucial to know how to convert them into decimals. This makes calculations easier.
To convert a percentage into a decimal, divide the percentage by 100. For example, converting 55% into a decimal involves:

• Knowing that "percent" means "out of 100."
• Dividing 55 by 100 gives us 0.55.

This is a foundational skill for anyone looking to solve problems involving percentages, like discounts, growth rates, or the portion of an amount.

Mastering Decimal Multiplication

Once we have our percentage as a decimal, the next step in problem solving is to multiply it by the total amount. This gives us the portion of the total corresponding to the percentage.
The multiplication process itself is straightforward:

• Ensure you line up the numbers correctly.
• After multiplying, count the total number of decimal places from the numbers being multiplied together to place the decimal point accurately in your answer.

Consider the step in our example: multiplying 0.55 by 8 gives us 4.4. This is because both numbers combined account for two decimal places. The proper placing of decimals is essential in reaching accurate results.

Applying Mathematical Reasoning

Mathematical reasoning involves making logical deductions and drawing conclusions from given data. It enhances our ability to assess problems and find solutions effectively. In our given exercise:

• We first identify that we need to calculate what fraction of 8 ounces 55% represents.
• Understanding the relationship between percentages, decimals, and multiplication helps us logically move from knowing a percentage to knowing an actual amount.
• Ensuring each calculation step is precise solidifies the final outcome—4.4 ounces in this example.

Developing these skills ensures not only accuracy but also confidence in tackling mathematical challenges.

Solving Infant Formula Math Problems

Understanding percentages and applying them in real-world contexts, like infant formula consumption, exemplifies practical math skills.

• First, recognize the context: how much formula, from a total, an infant consumes.
• Next, use percentage conversion to determine the equivalent consumption rate.
• Finally, appreciate how decimal multiplication precisely calculates the consumed ounces.

Such problems help students appreciate mathematics' relevance in everyday life, supporting not just problem-solving but everyday decision-making.