Any math "geniuses" out there? I could use some help...and fast!

alicatjoy

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I have my job interview tomorrow and I am worried they may test me mathematically. That being said, I'm not a whiz at math. I get by, but I do struggle some. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide, of course, but I'm not sure about computing rates, ratios, and percentages. And, I could use a refresher on converting units of measurement.

This job opportunity means the world to me. I can't even begin to express how important getting this job is to me. It's in my desired profession and, while entry level, this could skyrocket from a job to a career. It's working in a veterinary office as a pet nurse assistant. I've got no idea what to expect tomorrow at my interview, but I want to be prepared. I know I'm not going to be expected to be a math genius, but I could definitely use a refresher course. And, quick!

I've looked online and the wording confuses me more than anything. I know a bit about ratios -- such as a making a bleach/water solution from 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. That would be a 1:10 ratio. And, I know rates are similar to saying that I make $50.00 per 5 hours of work. That would mean I make $10.00/hour. Right? And, percentages are easier. 1/4 of 100 is 25%. I can do the basics. But, is there more I should know? And, could someone please explain it in simpler terms?

I can do some research on converting units of measurement. I'll have to look, but I think 1cc = 2 teaspoons. And, 3 teaspoons equal a tablespoon. And, of course I know converting inches to feet and ounces to pounds. But, any help in this area would be appreciated as well. What are the basics? I don't need to know everything, but a little info can go a long way. Maybe I'm just thinking too much about what my interview will be like and how I want and need to get the job. I'm trying to control everything...and that's not good...but, I don't want to go into this blind, either.

So, help...please? Thanks in advance!
 

natalie_ca

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I'm not a math genius, but I had to learn how to do fractions and ratios when I took my entrance exam for nursing school. I was beside myself because I had no idea how to do those 2 types of things. I borrowed a book from the library called "123 Math the Easy Way" for grade school children, and my Sister-In-Law sat me down and spent 2 evenings just grilling me about math problems to teach me how to work with fractions. So I can totally understand your anxiety. But don't stress yourself out!!!

Here is a link to a site that is geared to teach children about ratios. Basically a ratio is just a different way of displaying a fraction.

For example:

1/8 = 1:8

2/8 = 2:8 or when reduced down 1/4 or 1:4

http://www.speed-maths.com/understandingratios.php

Here is how to divide a fraction:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_division.html

How to multiply a fraction:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_multiplication.html

How to add a fraction:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_addition.html

How to subtract a fraction:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_subtraction.html


So far as metric is concerned, isn't the USA still using imperial measurements? If so, why would they test you on converting metric (ml) to imperial (tsp)?
 

going nova

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The ":" symbol reads as "to". So if you say 1 part of bleach to 9 parts of water then it's a 1:9 ratio, not 1:10.

Everything else seems OK.

Will you be measuring out medicines for the animals? If so, I would imagine you need to know fractions/percentages/ratios to make sure medicines going out are in the right dose for an animal's weight.

ETA: Natalie_ca has a point about learning conversions. Most of the medicines I've gotten have been measured out in milliliters.
 
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alicatjoy

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Thank you, thank you. The way I figure, the more help, the better!

I appreciate the links that were provided. I'll definitely take a long look at them this evening and again tomorrow before my interview. And, the thought that a ratio is merely a different way to display a fraction helps as well (and, I appreciate the correction about my 1:10 bleach solution that should have been 1:9 by my description). I think, aside from my mistake in writing out the ratio above, I'm clear on how to handle them. I do have to practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, but I think I'll be okay. Dividing fractions I know I can do and, in so many instances, once I stop thinking so much I can figure out the rest as well. But, rates, that's another story altogether. I think I'm confused where they're concerned. Aren't they the same thing as a fraction or ratio -- just written out differently? I think so, but I'm not sure. Any ideas?

And, yes, you're right. I may be making more out of the conversions than need be. I think I'll need to jog my memory about some things, but I should be covered. All medicines I've ever been provided for my pets has been given to me as cc's. I will have to see how mililiters convert to cc's, but I think I'm overthinking the conversions. I'm not going to be mixing medications and, as an assistant, I doubt I'll be doing much where dosing animals is concerned. In fact, I think I'm just obsessing at this point. I need to trust my abilities and accept that I am just as worthy and deserving as anyone else to get this position. I've never wanted a job this badly and it's hard to not be in control over the situation. But, I really believe I will get the job and I need to trust rather than manipulate. Does that make sense?

I'm getting the job, I'm getting the job, I'm getting the job...and I know I can do my math too
!
 

going nova

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Originally Posted by Alison Joy

But, rates, that's another story altogether. I think I'm confused where they're concerned. Aren't they the same thing as a fraction or ratio -- just written out differently? I think so, but I'm not sure. Any ideas?
I realize you're probably quite nervous, but I think you'll do fine.

Rates are the same mathematically as fractions or ratios. People like to express rates so that the denominator (bottom number of the fraction) is 1. Your example was a good one. If you make $50 in 5 hours ($50/5 hours as a fraction or $50:5 hours as a ratio), then you make $10 per hour. Expressed as a fraction that would be $10/1 hour. You can read the division sign "/" as the word "per." $10 per 1 hour. As a ratio it would be $10 to 1 hour.

If you would like, feel free to PM me any math questions that come up. I tutored students (elementary through college) in math for a little bit , and fractions are a very common source of confusion. This is especially true because people learn in so many different ways. Some people learn from pictures, some from hearing an explanation, some from reading on their own, some people actually need to have something in their hands (like a pie or pizza or money or a pile of marbles) to make sense of things.

As far as conversions go, it might be more useful to remember how to go between milliliters and liters or between milligrams and grams. (There are 1000 millileters per liter.) Good luck!
 

GoldyCat

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I'm not great at math either, but I do have to do some conversions in my work.
You're right that there are 3 teaspoons = Tablespoon. However, 5cc=1 teaspoon (not 1cc=2 tsp). Also 1cc=1ml, just a different way of saying the same thing.

I would expect the vet's office to have conversion charts or tables, so you don't have to do the math yourself.

Good luck on your interview.
 
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