A druggist is preparing a medication. Each capsule requires 0.007 gram of aspirin. He has 14 grams of aspirin. How many capsules can he prepare? A. 200 B. 500 C. 2,000 D. 5,000
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Let’s determine how many capsules the druggist can prepare.
Each capsule requires 0.007 grams of aspirin, and the druggist has 14 grams available. To find the number of capsules that can be made, we divide:
140.007=2000\frac{14}{0.007} = 2000
Thus, the correct answer is C. 2,000 capsules.
Explanation
In pharmaceutical preparation, precise measurements of ingredients are critical to ensure the efficacy and safety of a medication. In this case, each capsule requires 0.007 grams of aspirin, which means that for every gram of aspirin available, multiple capsules can be produced.
To solve this problem, we use division. The total amount of aspirin available is 14 grams, and each capsule needs only 0.007 grams. By dividing the total available aspirin by the required amount per capsule, we determine how many full capsules the druggist can make.
Breaking it down:
- The denominator, 0.007, represents the portion of aspirin needed per capsule.
- The numerator, 14, represents the total aspirin stock.
- Performing the division,
14÷0.007=200014 \div 0.007 = 2000
confirms that 2000 capsules can be prepared.
Understanding this concept is crucial for pharmacists and druggists, as accurate dosages ensure proper treatment outcomes and avoid under- or overdosing. Precision in calculations such as this directly affects patient health and medication efficacy. Pharmacists must also consider factors such as capsule manufacturing losses, variations in ingredient purity, and measurement accuracy when preparing large quantities. However, mathematically, 2000 capsules is the theoretical maximum the druggist can produce with 14 grams of aspirin.
