<PRE><B>Question 249544</B>
Miscellaneous_Word_Problems/249544 (2009-12-13 23:26:46): The theoretical probability of undesirable side effects resulting from taking Xyclon is 1 in 12. If 600 people take Xyclon to relieve pain from stomach ulcers, theoretically how many will encounter undesirable side effects?&lt;br&gt;

The best way to find this is to use proportions:&lt;br&gt;

Let x be the unknown quantity of patients with undesirable side effects out of 600, so&lt;br&gt;

{{{1/12=x/600}}} given proportion&lt;br&gt;

{{{600=12x}}} cross multiply&lt;br&gt;

{{{600/12=x}}} divide both sides by 12&lt;br&gt;

{{{x=50}}} simplify and final answer&lt;br&gt;

Based on the theoretical probability of side effect sufferers, approximately 50 people out of 600 should have undesirable side effects.&lt;br&gt;</PRE>