To determine the appropriate dosage of medication for an 80-pound person, we need to follow these steps:
1. Identify the dosage per unit of weight: We know the dosage is 20 milligrams for every 10 pounds of weight.
2. Determine the individual's weight: The individual in question weighs 80 pounds.
3. Calculate how many 10-pound units are in the individual's weight:
[tex]\[
\text{Number of 10-pound units} = \frac{80 \text{ pounds}}{10 \text{ pounds/unit}} = 8 \text{ units}
\][/tex]
4. Multiply the number of units by the dosage per unit:
[tex]\[
\text{Total dosage} = 8 \text{ units} \times 20 \text{ mg/unit} = 160 \text{ mg}
\][/tex]
Thus, you should give an 80-pound person 160 milligrams of medication.
