Final answer:
The uncertainty in a blood pressure measurement of 80 mm Hg can be found by applying the same percent uncertainty that is applicable to other measurements, such as 120 mm Hg. Once that percentage is determined, it is multiplied by the 80 mm Hg value to calculate the uncertainty in mm Hg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the uncertainty in a blood pressure measurement of 80 mm Hg assuming a certain percent uncertainty applies. To calculate the uncertainty, we would typically use the given percent uncertainty and apply it to the specific measurement. If blood pressure is measured to be 120 ± 2 mm Hg, its percent uncertainty is calculated by (2 / 120) × 100%, which would give the uncertainty percentage. That same percentage can then be applied to a measurement of 80 mm Hg to find its associated uncertainty in absolute terms (mm Hg).
For example, if the percent uncertainty is found to be 1.67% from the earlier measurement, we would apply this percentage to the 80 mm Hg measurement:
- Calculate the uncertainty percentage: 1.67%
- Apply it to 80 mm Hg: (1.67 / 100) × 80 = 1.336 mm Hg
- The uncertainty for 80 mm Hg would then be approximately ± 1.34 mm Hg
This sort of calculation is important for understanding the accuracy and reliability of blood pressure readings, which are essential for diagnosis and treatment in healthcare.