Question

A client's pulse rate decreases from 80 beats per minute to 72 beats per minute. What is the percent of decrease?

Short answer

The percent decrease in pulse rate is 10%.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Decrease

First, identify the initial and final pulse rates. The initial pulse rate is 80 beats per minute, and the final pulse rate is 72 beats per minute. The decrease in pulse rate is the difference between these two rates: 80 - 72 = 8 beats per minute.

Calculate the Percent Decrease

The formula for percent decrease is $\text{Percent Decrease}=\left(\frac{\text{Decrease}}{\text{Initial Amount}}\right)\times 100\mathrm{\%}.$ Plug in the numbers: $\text{Percent Decrease}=\left(\frac{8}{80}\right)\times 100\mathrm{\%}=10\mathrm{\%}.$

Key concepts

Mathematical Problem-Solving

When tackling any mathematical problem, it's essential to break down the steps to find a clear path to the solution. Here's how to approach a typical problem like calculating percent decreases:

• Identify what you're given and what you need to find. In this example, you know the initial and final pulse rates and need to determine how much the rate has decreased in percentage terms.
• Pinpoint the mathematical relationships or formulas needed, such as the formula for percent decrease.
• Follow a logical sequence of steps, verifying each step before moving to the next.
• Sometimes, writing down the known values and the desired result can organize your thoughts and make solving the problem easier.

Problem-solving is about logically piecing together information to reach a solution.

Pulse Rate Changes

Understanding changes in pulse rate is fundamental in various health and fitness contexts. Pulse rate, or heartbeats per minute, can fluctuate due to different factors:

• Physical activity and exercise usually increase pulse rate.
• Rest, relaxation, or calm states may decrease it.
• Other factors include stress, hydration level, and even body temperature.

The example in our exercise shows a pulse rate decrease from 80 to 72 beats per minute. Such changes might indicate the body's response to lower physical demands or a calmer environment. It's essential to track these changes to understand someone's heart health and how their body is responding over time.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Breaking down a problem into manageable steps is critical in mathematics, ensuring no details are overlooked:1. **Identify Initial and Final Values:** Recognize and note the starting and ending points, such as the initial and final pulse rates.2. **Calculate the Difference:** Subtract the final value from the initial value to find the decrease. In this exercise, the decrease is 8 beats per minute (80 - 72 = 8).3. **Apply the Formula:** Use the formula for percent decrease: $$\text{Percent Decrease}=\left(\frac{\text{Decrease}}{\text{Initial Amount}}\right)\times 100\mathrm{\%}$$ Here, plug in the numbers: $\text{Decrease}=8$ and $\text{Initial Amount}=80$. This yields $\left(\frac{8}{80}\right)\times 100\mathrm{\%}=10\mathrm{\%}$.4. **Verify Your Solution:** Double-check each calculation step to ensure accuracy.Using such step-by-step guidelines not only helps prevent errors but also builds confidence in handling similar problems in the future. Each step brings you closer to the correct and final answer.