- In medicine, the normal systolic blood pressure (NSBP) of an adult can be estimated. The table below shows the estimated NSBP of some adults given their age. Age (a) 27 30 33 36 39 42 NSBP (n) 122 123 124 125 a. Complete the table. b. Draw the graph that will show the relation of
and
. c. What is the estimated NSBP of a 51-year old adult? d. Approximate the age of a normal adult if he has an NSBP of 130
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To complete the table, we observe the pattern in the given values. The normal systolic blood pressure (NSBP) increases by 1 unit every 3 years. Applying this pattern, the missing values are:
| Age (a) | 27 | 30 | 33 | 36 | 39 | 42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSBP (n) | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 |
For the graph, plot age on the x-axis and NSBP on the y-axis. The points (27, 122), (30, 123), (33, 124), (36, 125), (39, 126), and (42, 127) will form a straight line, indicating a linear relationship.
To estimate the NSBP of a 51-year-old adult, use the observed pattern. From 42 to 51 is 9 years, which corresponds to an increase of 3 NSBP units. Starting at 127 for age 42, the NSBP at age 51 is calculated as 127 + 3 = 130.
To approximate the age of an adult with an NSBP of 130, start from 122 at age 27 and observe the increase pattern. The difference between 130 and 122 is 8 units, with each unit corresponding to 3 years. The total increase in age is 8 × 3 = 24 years. Adding this to the starting age, the estimated age is 27 + 24 = 51 years.
The relationship between age and NSBP is linear. By identifying the rate of increase, predictions can be made for ages beyond those in the table. This pattern illustrates how medical estimations can rely on consistent trends observed in physiological data. The calculated values align with realistic expectations based on observed increments, demonstrating the practicality of mathematical modeling in health-related contexts.
