Example

Try It 7.87: Solving a Proportion Application for Acetaminophen Dosage

Apply the proportion-solving strategy to calculate pediatric medication dosage based on a child's weight.

Problem: Pediatricians prescribe 55 milliliters (ml) of acetaminophen for every 2525 pounds of a child’s weight. How many milliliters of acetaminophen will the doctor prescribe for Emilia, who weighs 6060 pounds?

  1. Identify what to find and assign a variable: How many ml of acetaminophen should be prescribed? Let aa = ml of acetaminophen.
  2. Translate into a proportion, ensuring units are consistent on both sides (milliliters over pounds): 525=a60\frac{5}{25} = \frac{a}{60}
  3. Solve the proportion. First, simplify the fraction on the left side: 15=a60\frac{1}{5} = \frac{a}{60} Multiply both sides by 6060 to clear the denominator: 6015=60a6060 \cdot \frac{1}{5} = 60 \cdot \frac{a}{60} 12=a12 = a
  4. Answer: The pediatrician will prescribe 1212 ml of acetaminophen for Emilia.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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