Jeannine’s
Math Packet
(REVISED)
1
,Table of Contents
A. Dimensional analysis (pages 2 – 5)
1. Definition
2. Steps of dimensional analysis
3. One-factor, two-factor and three factor problems
4. Common mistakes students make on exams
5. Example without distractors
6. Example with distractors
7. Solving for “dose VERSUS day”
B. General math information (pages 6 – 7)
1. Conversion factors to memorize
2. Error-prone abbreviations that should never be used
3. Error-prone dose designations and “other” information
C. Course specific information (pages 8 – 9)
1. Medication administration math independent study modules
2. What is a safe dose calculation?
D. Practice math problems (pages 10 – 15)
1. 35 problems
2. Answer key
2
, A. Dimensional Analysis
1. Definition:
“The use of a simple technique with a fancy name for the process of manipulating units. By
manipulating units you are able to eliminate or cancel unwanted units”. (Calculating with Confidence,
by Deborah Gray Morris, 2010).
2. Steps of dimensional analysis
a. Start your problem to the RIGHT of the “equal sign”- what are you solving for??
What is your destination? (mL/hour, mcg/kg/min, tabs, etc…..)
b. Plug in the given information (avoiding any distractors)
Set-up your train tracks to arrive at your destination
c. Cancel out “like units”
d. Add conversion factors, as needed
Keep adding train tracks until you arrive at your destination
3. When setting up a problem, your “given” information will either be:
a. One factor: tablets, milliliters, pounds, kilograms
Since dimensional analysis is a manipulation of factors, YOU MUST DECIDE whether your
one factor (eg. Pounds), sits in the numerator or denominator of your problem.
b. Two factors: mL/hour, gtt/ min, mg/mL
YOU MUST DECIDE where your 2 factors are placed (eg. mg / mL). Which label sits in the
numerator and which one sits in the denominator of your problem?
c. Three factors: mcg/kg/min, units/kg/hour
With three factors (Eg. mcg/kg/min), there is NO CHOICE. The first label (mcg) sits in the
numerator and the last 2 factors (kg/min) sits in the denominator
3
Math Packet
(REVISED)
1
,Table of Contents
A. Dimensional analysis (pages 2 – 5)
1. Definition
2. Steps of dimensional analysis
3. One-factor, two-factor and three factor problems
4. Common mistakes students make on exams
5. Example without distractors
6. Example with distractors
7. Solving for “dose VERSUS day”
B. General math information (pages 6 – 7)
1. Conversion factors to memorize
2. Error-prone abbreviations that should never be used
3. Error-prone dose designations and “other” information
C. Course specific information (pages 8 – 9)
1. Medication administration math independent study modules
2. What is a safe dose calculation?
D. Practice math problems (pages 10 – 15)
1. 35 problems
2. Answer key
2
, A. Dimensional Analysis
1. Definition:
“The use of a simple technique with a fancy name for the process of manipulating units. By
manipulating units you are able to eliminate or cancel unwanted units”. (Calculating with Confidence,
by Deborah Gray Morris, 2010).
2. Steps of dimensional analysis
a. Start your problem to the RIGHT of the “equal sign”- what are you solving for??
What is your destination? (mL/hour, mcg/kg/min, tabs, etc…..)
b. Plug in the given information (avoiding any distractors)
Set-up your train tracks to arrive at your destination
c. Cancel out “like units”
d. Add conversion factors, as needed
Keep adding train tracks until you arrive at your destination
3. When setting up a problem, your “given” information will either be:
a. One factor: tablets, milliliters, pounds, kilograms
Since dimensional analysis is a manipulation of factors, YOU MUST DECIDE whether your
one factor (eg. Pounds), sits in the numerator or denominator of your problem.
b. Two factors: mL/hour, gtt/ min, mg/mL
YOU MUST DECIDE where your 2 factors are placed (eg. mg / mL). Which label sits in the
numerator and which one sits in the denominator of your problem?
c. Three factors: mcg/kg/min, units/kg/hour
With three factors (Eg. mcg/kg/min), there is NO CHOICE. The first label (mcg) sits in the
numerator and the last 2 factors (kg/min) sits in the denominator
3
