Question

modeling real life the volume of red blood cells in a blood sample is equal to the total volume of the sample minus the volume of plasma. what is the total volume x of blood drawn? plasma 5.5 ml red blood cells 45% the total amount of blood drawn is milliliters.

Explanation:

Step1: Find plasma percentage

Since red - blood cells are 45% of the total volume, plasma is $100\% - 45\%=55\%$ of the total volume $x$.

Step2: Set up an equation

We know that the volume of plasma is 5.5 mL and it is 55% (or 0.55 in decimal form) of the total volume $x$. So the equation is $0.55x = 5.5$.

Step3: Solve for x

Divide both sides of the equation by 0.55: $x=\frac{5.5}{0.55}=10$.

Answer:

10